Maryland is one of the many states blessed with temperature and weather changes as the seasons take their turn. However, Maryland is located on the Atlantic Ocean- which means that each season is extreme. The summers can be blistering hot, and the winters freezing cold.
With such drastic weather changes happening each year, you can expect that your body might have a hard time adjusting. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common condition that often appears during these seasonal shifts.
If you are struggling with SAD, keep reading to find out how you can cope with this condition while living in the temperamental state of Maryland.
Try Light Therapy
When an individual is experiencing SAD symptoms, their body is likely craving some sunshine and warmth, and light therapy can be an effective solution.
Light therapy uses full-spectrum bright white lights to make the body think it is in the sun. This exposure helps SAD because sun exposure is essential to mental health.
Sunshine boosts Vitamin D, serotonin, and melatonin levels: all of which play an important role in emotions.
If you don't have access to a light therapy option, consider going outside, even if it's cold. The sun still offers the same great mood-lifting benefits in the winter.
Get Some Exercise
Although it may be difficult to do during an episode of SAD, participating in physical activity is a great mood lifter. In fact, research shows that just thirty minutes of walking daily will release enough endorphins to bring you back to your baseline within a few days.
Seasonal affective disorder can hit a person at any time of year, so it may be too hot or too cold to go outside for a walk. If this is the case, you can try indoor exercises like yoga, stretching, jump rope, dancing, or stationary biking.
Try Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is used to treat both physical and mental health conditions like fibromyalgia, anxiety, epilepsy and IBD. The seasonal affective disorder also falls on the list of qualifying conditions, and since medical use is legal in Maryland, you might want to give it a try.
Marijuana is known to boost serotonin and dopamine, which are the hormones primarily responsible for a person's happiness levels. The plant also has many calming elements to them which make coping with SAD much easier.
If you want to treat your condition with cannabis, apply for a medical marijuana card online first because recreational consumption has only just been legalized, and public products won't be available until mid-2023.
Consider Antidepressants
Antidepressants are another medical option available to those struggling with SAD.
If your seasonal affective disorder is making daily life difficult, talk to your doctor. This condition is more common than you might think (especially in Maryland), so there is no need to worry about having a conversation about the way you are feeling.
Your doctor likely hears similar stories regularly and might be able to prescribe a medication that works great for your circumstances.
Find Ways to Relax
If things like light therapy and medications seem like too much, you can cope with SAD by simply finding ways to relax.
Relaxation is the key to having a healthy mind, so do what you can to remain calm and at peace.
Some relaxing activities may include:
Painting
Meditation
Taking a hot bath
Watching a movie
Reading a book
Listening to music
Feeling irritable and stressed is a common SAD symptom. Unfortunately, untreated stress often leads to depression which then causes more stress, and a vicious cycle begins. By relaxing as much as possible, you can relieve some emotional tension while preventing the progression of your condition.
Regulate Your Sleep Patterns
Having a regulated sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can do to cope with your condition.
Seasonal affective disorder occurs for many reasons; however, the primary reason is that our circadian rhythm (internal clock) is disturbed.
Our internal clock is disturbed because the number of daylight hours changes, and the production of melatonin (a natural sleep chemical) either decreases, increases, or gets confused.
To combat this issue, you should adjust your sleep schedule to match the daylight hours and stick to your new routine. Once you get your circadian rhythm back on track, you should notice a positive shift in emotions.
