Four Ways to Ease the Winter Blues

Seasonal affective disorder — known as SAD — is a depression that occurs in the winter, when there are fewer hours of daylight.

If you think you may have SAD, try these self-care tips:

1. Add exercise, a natural antidepressant, to your daily routine.
2. Try to confide in someone and spend time with other people.
3. Take part in enjoyable activities. And try to postpone major decisions until the depression lifts.
4. Set priorities. Break large tasks into smaller ones.

If these tips do not help relieve your depression, your doctor may prescribe light therapy. This entails using a light box at least 30 minutes a day through the fall and winter.