For some, winter brings the excitement of Christmas cheer and building snowmen to mind, but for others it means cold, long and dark days filled with depression and lack of desire to do anything other than stay in bed. This is what it is like for people who suffer with the ‘winter blues’, otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is caused by a number of things such as lack of daylight, and lack of vitamin D. If you have a friend or family member you think is suffering from this, there are some things you can do to help cheer them up. Read on to find out what you can do.
- The first thing you could do to help your friend literally see some light in the dark days of winter, is get them or at least recommend they buy a light box. Light therapy has been proven to relieve symptoms of depression and is great for regulating the circadian rhythm. It can help boost serotonin, giving you more energy during the day if you use the light box for at least 30 minutes in the morning. You should make sure that you buy a light box that is high quality which will mean that it costs a bit more. However, it will be worth it compared to a cheap light box that doesn’t offer light that is strong enough to have any effect on your mood.
- You can give your friend a care package. These are becoming increasingly popular and are such a nice way to show someone you care about them. Birthdays and celebrations aren’t the only times to give presents. When someone is having a hard time, a care package can be just what they need to bring a smile to their face. The best thing about a care package is that it doesn’t have to be full of extravagant, fancy presents. The person receiving doesn’t expect it, making it even more special, no matter what is inside. It really is the thought that counts.
In a care package for someone suffering from the winter blues, you could put a bottle of Vitamin D tablets or some mushrooms, if they can cook, as these are the food highest in vitamin D. Oranges and apples are full of Vitamin C which can help to keep the flu away, or perhaps some uplifting roller essential oil blends. You could sneak in their favourite chocolate if you know what it is.
- Lastly, you could get them a special gift that will keep them warm in the cold weather. Womens Aran Sweaters are great for this. They are gorgeous, knitted by hand in a traditional Irish pattern, and they are extremely comfortable. You can buy one at Shamrock Gift. Another thing you could buy to help your friend stay comfy is a fluffy blanket or hot water bottle with a nice cover that they can use to keep warm in bed or to keep you warm on the sofa whilst you watch a film together, as nothing will help more than your company.
