It’s the dead of winter. The holiday celebrations are over, it’s cold, and everything is frozen— including you. You just shoveled, and you slipped and fell to celebrate finishing the task. Seeing another foot of the fluffy white stuff in the forecast feels like the last straw! Pretty soon, a lot feels wrong in the world, and a negative mood takes hold.
We’ve all been there, but what if those tough days start to pile up? Sometimes, feeling cranky is more serious than a post-holiday funk. Here are some possible reasons for a foul mood and a few ideas on how to get relief!
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Low Vitamin D
Do you ever notice that on sunny days, more people are cheerful? Strangers hold the doors for you in public and offer a welcoming smile. This is not just because the sky’s colors are brighter and the sun shines on your face. What we receive on sunny days is a lovely dose of vitamin D.
Many of us who live outside the Sunshine States may suffer from low vitamin D levels. While this is an excellent reason to talk about taking a vacation, what about the rest of the winter season when the sun hides from us?
If you’d like to have your vitamin D levels evaluated, check with your doctor for proper testing. Ask for their advice on whether supplements are necessary for you.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
For many, seasonal affective disorder, or “SAD,” comes on in the fall and lasts through the winter. People often describe it as feeling an impending sense of doom that comes on when the temperature plummets and the sun hides; however, it can occur for some during the summer months, too.
Escaping to a different climate could help, but other options exist for those who don’t wish to do that. Seasonal affective lamps, daily exercise, proper sleep, and a healthy diet may offer relief, too. Socializing can also be helpful. If you suspect you’re suffering from SAD, please get in touch with your primary care physician and talk with them about managing your symptoms.
Depression
Depression is far more than feeling grouchy or having an occasional bad day. Typically, those bad days last for several weeks when depression is in play. If you suspect you are depressed, please talk to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Medications can be prescribed to help with depression, but those also often come with risks and may take time to work. Exercise, meditation, positive thinking, and lifestyle adjustments can also be helpful.
Emotional Triggers
If you can identify what makes you feel icky, try to take breaks. We can’t all escape and move into Edgewood, but there are little ways to manage the not-so-happy things.
While social media can help you keep track of your long-lost friends and see your family from afar, sometimes it’s also filled with bad news. If you see too many negative posts or disturbing news reports of tragedy, it’s tough not to feel anxious and sad. Adjusting your newsfeed or taking breaks from watching the news on TV can provide some much-needed relief.
Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Here’s an example: winter begins on December 21st, the shortest day of sunlight all year, blah! But each day after, there’s a little more sunlight. When you can’t see the silver lining, practice looking for it. Try an internet search for positive thinking tips, and you’ll find a laundry list of gurus, motivational quotes, and even cat videos to help you get through!
Find Your Happy at Edgewood!
Interested in a Tour of Senior Living?
If you’re getting grumpy trying to overcome the obstacles of the winter season, check out the perks that come with Edgewood. Join us for a week, a month, or a season with a short-term stay. We offer a wide range of services, so please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn more.
