Tips to Reduce or Prevent SAD Symptoms
The following tips are helpful for some patients affected by SAD:
- Eat a low fat diet that includes an adequate amount of protein, but not an excessive amount of protein. You should also eliminate sugar and carbs as much as possible.
- Some find taking vitamins that contain magnesium, B complex, and minerals is helpful.
- The elimination of caffeine may also help. Remember caffeine is in most sodas, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
- Increasing your amount of daily exercise increases your level of dopamines, as well as your energy level. Easy ways to implement increased activity in your daily life include walking, jogging, and aerobics.
- If your case of SAD is mild, try increasing the lighting in your home -- leave the lights on instead of always turning them off to lower your utility bill. And whenever it's sunny outside, spending extra time outdoors is often helpful.
Don't forget to see your health care professional if SAD symptoms or depression are causing problems in either your personal or professional life. In addition to light therapy both anti-depressants and counseling are often effective methods for treating seasonal affective disorder.
