With the arrival of snow, comes shorter days. And with that, less sunlight. S.A.D, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder is a reoccurring depressive period in which with the lack of sunlight comes a deficiency in serotonin. Serotonin, also known as one of the main ‘Happy Hormones’, is a chemical that supposedly helps boost your mood. Making you more sociable, and overall much happier. Though there are several ways to get serotonin, such as certain foods, it is undoubtedly easy to get most of it from sunlight. With the reduction of sunlight comes the loss of a main source of serotonin as well. S.A.D happens, of course, usually throughout the winter and fall months and tends to disappear  at the arrival of spring and summer. Though, there are treatments to help with S.A.D.

A popular method to use for S.A.D is light therapy. Also known as phototherapy, this method is most commonly used during the winter months to help with the depression. In a way, it’s a substitute for the lack of light most get in the cold months. It’s an artificial light, and it is recommended roughly 20-30 minutes a day. Though this is completely dependent on how high or low-intensity the light be. Lower intensities may require more time.  Other ways of regaining serotonin are exercising, eating foods high in simple carbohydrates, or by doing things you love and enjoy. Stay safe, this winter! And happy New Year to all.