JANUARY 2024

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Embracing the Winter Blues
A guide to conquering
season slumps
BY DR. RENA DAIZA
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As the holiday season
ends, days get shorter
and the temperatures
drop, it’s not uncommon
for some of us to feel
like bears contemplating hibernation.
The winter blues,
also known as Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD), might
be nipping at your heels, but
I’ve got the perfect arsenal of
coping mechanisms to turn
that frown upside down.
Sunlight: Nature’s Prozac
Missing the sun? Join the club. Winter
brings shorter days and less sunlight,
leaving many of us in a state of solar
withdrawal. Combat this by taking
advantage of the precious daylight
hours. Go for a walk, indulge in some
outdoor activities, or simply bask in
the sunlight streaming through your
window. It’s like a natural dose of happiness,
minus the co-pay.
Light Therapy: A bright idea
For those days when the sun decides
to hide, consider investing in a light
therapy box. Multiple studies have
shown the benefits of light therapy on
our mood. These bright contraptions
mimic natural sunlight and can help
regulate your circadian rhythm. Think
of it as your own personal sunshine.
Cozy Comforts: Snuggle up
Winter is the perfect time to embrace
all things cozy. Wrap yourself in a
warm blanket, cuddle with your dog,
sip on a cup of hot cocoa, and indulge
in a good book or movie. Create a cozy
environment that is your winter haven,
and you will be warding off those
winter blues in style.
Exercise: Winter wonderland
workouts
Don’t let the cold weather freeze your
fitness routine. Exercise releases those
feel-good endorphins, and you don’t
need a gym membership to get moving.
Try new winter activities like ice
DR. RENA
DAIZA
SPECIAL TO
THE CHALDEAN
NEWS
skating or building a snowman
with the kiddos. Winter
workouts can be both fun
and effective.
Vitamin D: Sunshine in a pill
It’s Michigan and we just don’t
get enough sunshine this time
of year. The sun produces vitamin
D in the skin through a
series of chemical reactions.
During winter months, many
of us depend on maintaining
adequate vitamin D in our
diet. If your diet is lacking in vitamin
D, consider supplements. Known as the
sunshine vitamin, it plays a crucial role
in mood regulation. Consult with your
doctor to find the right dosage and start
popping those sunshine pills.
Socialize: Hold the winter hibernation
Resist the urge to hibernate. Socializing
can be a powerful antidote to the
winter blues. Organize a game night,
plan a cozy dinner party, or simply
catch up with friends over a warm
cup of tea. Human connection is like a
warm blanket for the soul.
Plan a Winter Escape: Beat the
winter blues at their own game
If all else fails, why not plan a winter
escape? This is a staple of mine. As the
daughter of a travel agent, I am always
planning my next getaway - especially
in the winter months. Whether it’s a
weekend getaway to a snowy cabin
or jet-setting to a tropical paradise, a
change of scenery can do wonders for
your mood. Just think of it as a midwinter
reset button.
So, there you have it - your guide to
embracing the winter blues with a smile.
Remember, it’s okay to feel a bit down
during the colder months, but with a
dash of sunlight, sprinkle of socializing,
and a lot of self-care, you’ll be conquering
those seasonal slumps. As always,
check on your friends and family and
look for changes in behavior. Let’s be
there for one another. Stay warm, stay
happy, and let the sunshine in.
40 CHALDEAN NEWS JANUARY 2024