Winter Blues

With winter upon us, and the dreary effects of ice and cold days taking their toll, many at-home mothers are already eagerly awaiting spring. There are numerous ways to enjoy the pleasures of the snow if one should live in a northern (or southern) enough climate to have some. Skiing, tobogganing and ice skating are wonderful ways to make the most of the weather. Unfortunately, for those of us in colder climates, the arrival of winter usually signifies the gloominess of shorter days, less exposure to the sun, and a higher chance of remaining indoors.

At-home mothers, particularly those of under pre-school-aged children, understand the strain of dressing, preparing and organizing an excursion with a baby or toddler in the great snowy outdoors. There is a considerable nuisance factor in shoveling the driveway, clearing the windshield, going shopping and walking outside with a small child in tow. As a result, many at-home moms simply stay in. Although this in itself is not necessarily hazardous, the effects of withdrawing oneself from the sunlight can be.

It is generally believed that light has a positive effect on the human body. It is speculated that during times of reduced exposure to the sun, our brain hormones react to the lack of direct light. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a term used to describe a state of depression that occurs during these seasons or occasions of reduced sunlight. The symptoms of this disorder range from feelings of listlessness, fatigue, increased appetite and a craving for carbohydrates, to more serious symptoms like difficulty focusing and concentrating, loss of libido, anxiety, difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, feelings of self-doubt and even thoughts of suicide. Although the disorder tends to be more common the further north you live, it is not unheard of to see these symptoms in areas where there is substantial amounts of rain, and even occasionally in areas where severe heat and drought keep individuals indoors.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, aptly shortened to SAD, is a term less commonly used for a widely experienced phenomenon. Because of the shorter days, many are both leaving for work and returning from work in the dark. During this period, people often feel less energetic, heavier and more prone to sadness, referring to their feelings of “winter depression” or “winter blues”. They might also feel cooped up or confined by their homes and their offices, giving rise to the terms “cabin fever” and “shack-wacky”. If an individual is feeling dragged down by the weather, the symptoms can be improved by simply sitting by a window for an hour or so each day and getting outdoor exercise. The very best solution to these feelings of isolation and lethargy can be to try and take a different approach at life. Take on a new hobby, begin a work-out routine, or reduce the stress that already exists in your life and get involved in relaxation techniques. One might also attempt to curb the increase in appetite with a balanced, low-fat diet and small healthy snacks throughout the day. Removing the caffeine from your diet will also help, as will a daily multi-vitamin.

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