brand_logo
search_icon
Search
AccommodationNewsroomContact UsContact UsLogoutLogin
Search
Search
£20 cashback on the app!
4.5/5
180K+ Downloads
Download App
Log in or sign up
Please provide a valid email address
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Enter code sent on your email
test@test.com
Change
Please provide a valid OTP
Haven’t received the OTP
Resend (15s)
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
or
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions

10 Best Self-Help Tips for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Living
5 min read
|
Uploaded on
Jun 28, 2024
|
Last updated on
Feb 4, 2025
Uploaded on
Jun 28, 2024
|
Last updated on
Feb 4, 2025

Share :

Copy Link

Link Copied

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on LinkedIn

10 Best Self-Help Tips for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Bounce back!!

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression that manifests itself at a specific time of year. It is observed that this usually occurs during winter when days are shorter resulting in less daylight and hence resulting in low energy, difficulty in concentration, fluctuations in sleep patterns, and feelings of hopelessness. And if you’re someone who’s looking for ways to beat seasonal depression, we’ve outlined ten seasonal depression tips to help you alleviate the symptoms and your overall well-being.

1. Maximize Exposure to Natural Light

So, it’s been found that one of the major triggers for the condition is the lack of sunlight during the winter. One of the tips for seasonal affective disorder is that you should try to spend as much time as possible outdoors during daylight; even on cloudy days, a hint of natural light can be beneficial. 

And when you’re inside your home, we’d advise you to open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Additionally, rearranging your workspace or home to be closer to windows or balconies is an effective seasonal depression tip.

Furthermore, if your schedule allows, you can also take a walk during your lunch break or engage in outdoor activities over the weekend. All in all, we are trying to emphasise the importance of natural light because it is indeed one of the best winter depression tips.

2. Light Therapy

Building up on the first tip for seasonal affective disorder; if you’re unable to find natural sources of light then sitting near a light box that mimics natural sunlight might be a good way to beat seasonal depression. These boxes emit a bright light (typically around 10.000 lux) and are supposed to be used for 20-30 minutes every morning.

What this does is it regulates your circadian rhythm and elevates your mood to a whole new level. But you should consult a healthcare professional before starting the therapy to ensure that this winter depression suits you.

Also, it’s important to make use of the tip for seasonal affective disorder involving lightbox correctly by positioning it at a proper distance to maximise the effects because balancing the details right is very crucial for any endeavour, then be it therapy or anything else.

3. Exercise Regularly

The third tip for seasonal affective disorder is irreplaceable. No matter what chronic illness you might have, a good bit of moving around, be it your body or weight, helps a lot. Not only does it boost your dopamine levels but it also regulates your hypothalamus.

Apart from the benefit of this seasonal depression tip, exercise also releases endorphins, which are a natural mood lifter. You need not exercise a lot, only 30 minutes a day to see the results coming. Remember it is more about relaxing than bodybuilding.

Also when you sweat, the toxins that might have been seeped into your bloodstream start to wash away and this happens only for perspiration through activity, not so much for sedentary sweating, a good way to beat seasonal depression.

Beat the winter blues and book student accommodation that keeps you comfortable!

Book through amber today!

Visit Us

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Now, speaking of exercise as a tip for seasonal affective disorder, we feel, we can’t be missing the importance of eating healthy. A balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing SAD.

And addition to this winter depression tip, you should be reducing the amount of sugar you intake because it just spikes your insulin artificially and too much of it can easily double down as obesity, further worsening the condition.

Also, having complex carbohydrates can also be one of the tips for seasonal affective disorder because they help you stabilise your blood sugar levels and give you sustained energy. And lastly, remember to have plenty of water, but also do not drink excessive amounts of it.

5. Establish a Routine

As the next seasonal depression tip, we’d suggest that you set up a regular routine to provide you with structure and stability, which is particularly important during darker months, cause it’s easy to wrap yourself inside a blanket and stay there when it’s cold outside. 

Also, remember that this tip for seasonal affective disorder should not be too overwhelming at first because then you’ll not stick to it for long given the amount of effort you need to make just to get started. 

Ideally, this way to beat seasonal depression should incorporate waking up early, meditating, exercising, and listening to your favourite music as well. Do what you love but also know when to stop. Careful indulgence is the key.

6. Stay Connected

Now, let’s talk about something that can exaggerate the SAD symptoms - social isolation. Since we humans are social animals, staying detached from people will eventually result in an increased amount of cortisol in the brain due to having very few people to share your stress with.

And there is no hard and fast rule that you need to be a Casanova, all you need is a healthy conversation to feel energised. Following this tip for seasonal affective disorder will reduce the chances of you overestimating your problems and underestimating your potential.

However, as a winter depression tip, we’d also advise you not to be a people pleaser in the process, this will make you lose self-respect and lose the connections too, in the long run. Again, here to a balance is what you need to strive for.

7. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

So, this tip for seasonal affective disorder is easily one of the most important of all. You see, learning how to make your mind still is a quality very few can master but if you learn how to do it in style, you can not only be free from anxiety but also rid yourself of confusion.

And a body that doesn’t have to battle with meaningless stresses and confusion performs well biologically. Also, meditation as a seasonal depression tip might also help you tap into the root cause of the condition; who knows it might not be the one you’ve imagined.

Now, precautions must be taken so that you don’t hallucinate in your imagination. We’d advise you to journal your thoughts that crossed your mind when you were meditating; this way you’ll start to understand the real reason for SAD. This tip for seasonal affective disorder does the same for your other daily problems too.

Stay healthy and secure student housing that promotes a positive atmosphere!

Book through amber today!

Visit Us

8. Consider Aromatherapy

Okay, this tip for seasonal affective disorder might be new to you. However, the use of essential oils to promote mental and emotional well-being has been going on for some time now. It’s usually advised to use scents like lavender, chamomile, and bergamot because they have calming properties and can help alleviate anxiety and improve mood.

You can use the oils in a diffuser, add them to a bath, or even apply them topically (usually diluted with a carrier oil). Also, you must ensure that you only use high-quality oils for your healing purposes.

Using aromatherapy daily can be a good way to beat seasonal depression. And not only that this practice is sure to raise your consciousness to a different level; slowly but surely.

9. Engage in Enjoyable Activities

You see, joy is an integral part of life and cutting that down can impact your well-being gravely. It’s important to win and achieve but it’s also important to celebrate that victory. And as a tip for seasonal affective disorder, we’d advise you to engage in celebrations that can be of any sort; singing, dancing, painting, and so on.

The point of this tip for seasonal affective disorder is to do stuff that you like, not that which is cool to do or which is trending. For some time, you might enjoy what you’re doing but after some point, you’ll hit exhaustion because that’s not what you wanted.

Additionally, as a way to beat seasonal depression, engaging in any activity that distracts you from negative thoughts is a good idea. You can watch your favourite TV show, movie, reality show, and so on. All in all, the point is to celebrate and relax.

10. Seek Professional Help

Lastly, we’d like to say that if your SAD symptoms are severe and don’t improve with time then it’s crucial for you to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide therapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective for SAD.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and in some cases light therapy. Apart from this tip for seasonal affective disorder, there are other methods also but they will be prescribed to you according to the doctor’s expertise and your needs.

But in case of severity, the gravity of the situation must not be ignored and dealt with with utmost seriousness because you never know when the condition might spill into some other areas of your life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can be challenging but the beauty of challenging stuff is the trilll in overcoming them. And luckily overcoming it is not that tricky, the tips for seasonal affective disorder are outlined for you. You just need to act with determination. Remember the biggest project you’ll ever work on is yourself. And if that’s pumped you up then read our blog on Best Healthcare Apps For Students. All the best!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and what causes it?

SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, usually in winter. It's believed to be caused by reduced sunlight, which affects circadian rhythms, serotonin levels, and melatonin production.

‍

What are the common symptoms of SAD?

Common symptoms include persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, low energy, changes in sleep patterns, weight gain, and social withdrawal.

‍

How is SAD diagnosed?

SAD is diagnosed based on a pattern of depression that occurs at the same time each year for at least two consecutive years, along with a psychological evaluation.

‍

Can light therapy really help with SAD, and how should it be used?

Yes, light therapy is effective for many people with SAD. It involves using a 10,000 lux light box for 20-30 minutes each morning. Consult a healthcare professional before starting.

‍

What lifestyle changes can help manage SAD symptoms?

Helpful changes include maximizing natural light exposure, regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a routine, staying socially connected, and practising mindfulness. Seek professional help if needed.

Unlock your free flight ticket

Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits

Claim now
Lifestyle
Health

Follow us on :

share-insta-icon

Instagram

Facebook

share-tw-icon

Twitter

share-linkedIn-icon

LinkedIn

Copy Link

Share on Facebook

Twitter-share

Share on Twitter

LinkedIn-share

Share on LinkedIn

copy-icon

Share

Share Now:

Copy Link

Link Copied

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

cta
cta

Related Posts

Living

Safest Neighborhoods in Las Vegas: Top 10 Safe Areas to Live

May 8, 2025
|
5 min read
Living

NYC Vs London–A Complete Guide To Iconic Cities

April 28, 2025
|
10 min read
Living

10 Best Suburbs in Canberra to Move to in 2025

April 24, 2025
|
5 min
Get access to exclusive deals
Only the best deals reach your inbox
Thank you for subscribing to Amber's Updates
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
London
United Kingdom
Dublin
Ireland
Melbourne
Australia
New York City
United States
Frankfurt
Germany
Barcelona
Spain
Toronto
Canada
Birmingham
United Kingdom
Brisbane
Australia
Chicago
United States
Cork
Ireland
Hamburg
Germany
Montreal
Canada
Leicester
United Kingdom
Sydney
Australia
Austin
United States
Vancouver
Canada
Nottingham
United Kingdom
Adelaide
Australia
Houston
United States
Liverpool
United Kingdom
Perth
Australia
San Francisco
United States
Coventry
United Kingdom
Canberra
Australia
Boston
United States
Sheffield
United Kingdom
Gold Coast
Australia
Dallas
United States
Leeds
United Kingdom
Coffs Harbour
Australia
Washington DC
United States
Newcastle Upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Philadelphia
United States
Manchester
United Kingdom
College Station
United States
Cardiff
United Kingdom
Los Angeles
United States
Swansea
United Kingdom
Lubbock
United States
arrow
10 Best Self-Help Tips for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
5 min read
You'll love these as well
Similar
arrow
10 Safest Areas In Nashville
10 Safest Areas In Nashville: Best Neighborhoods to Stay in 2025
May 7, 2025
|
Living
|
5 min read
Safest Neighborhoods in Las Vegas
Safest Neighborhoods in Las Vegas: Top 10 Safe Areas to Live
May 7, 2025
|
Living
|
5 min read
Best Places to Live in Idaho for Students
Best Places to Live in Idaho for Students
Apr 17, 2025
|
Living
|
5 MIN
Best Places to Reside in Georgia for Students & Professionals
Best Places to Reside in Georgia for Students
Apr 17, 2025
|
Living
|
5 MIN
best cities for international students
20 Best Cities for International Students in 2025
Apr 10, 2025
|
Living
|
5 min read
NYC Vs London
NYC Vs London–A Complete Guide To Iconic Cities
Jan 2, 2025
|
Living
|
10 min read
Tab 1
Tab 2
Tab 3
Tab 4
Tab 5
Tab 6
Tab 7

amber © 2024. All rights reserved.

4.6/5 on Trustpilot

Rated as "Excellent" • 5000+ Reviews by students

Trustpilot
Get the app
Payment Options
Company
AboutHow it worksRefer a friendGroup BookingNewList with usNewPartner with usNewCareersWe are hiring!
Discover
BlogPodcastNewsroomAmber PlusMedia MentionAmbassadorScholarshipsApply NowExamsNewSite Map
Support
Help CentreContact UsT&CPrivacy PolicySitemap
Contact Us
+44 7400314942
contact@amberstudent.com
WhatsApp
40 E Main St # 1215 Newark 19711-4639 Delaware
Follow us on:

amber © 2024. All rights reserved.

4.6/5 on Trustpilot

Rated as "Excellent" • 5000+ Reviews by Students

Trustpilot
Get the app
Payment Options:
Company
AboutHow it worksRefer a friendGroup BookingNewList with usNewPartner with usNewCareersWe are hiring!Site Map
Discover
BlogPodcastNewsroomAmber PlusMedia MentionAmbassadorScholarshipsApply NowExamsNewSite Map
Support
Help CentreContact UsT&CPrivacy PolicySitemap
Contact us
+44 7400314942
contact@amberstudent.com
WhatsApp
40 E Main St # 1215 Newark 19711-4639 Delaware
Follow us on:

amber © 2024. All rights reserved.

4.6/5 on Trustpilot

Rated as "Excellent" • 5000+ Reviews by Students

Trustpilot
Get the app
Payment Options:
Company
AboutHow it worksRefer a friendGroup BookingNewList with usNewPartner with usNewCareersWe are hiring!Site Map
Discover
BlogPodcastNewsroomAmber PlusMedia MentionAmbassadorScholarshipsApply NowExamsNewSite Map
Support
Help CentreContact UsT&CPrivacy PolicySitemap
Contact us
+44 7400314942
contact@amberstudent.com
WhatsApp
40 E Main St # 1215 Newark 19711-4639 Delaware
Follow us on:
Download the amber app
Start your journey from here!
More than 1.25 million beds available in 600 cities
Scan The QR to download the App
app QR
You can directly download from
play storeapp store
100% Verified Listings
Quick and Easy Bookings
Price Match Guarantee
24x7 Personal Assistance
£20 cashback on the app!
Scan to Download App
4.5/5
180K+ Downloads
Download from
Share