Learn How to Kiss Those Winter Blues Goodbye

Jan 3, 2012 14:17 - Regina Falkowski | 568 views

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According to Harvard Medical School over 500,000 Americans, and many more with milder symptoms, suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression that occurs seasonally, most commonly during the winter months. Some symptoms associated with SAD include oversleeping, overeating, boredom, fatigue and depression. The winter season can be a very unpleasant time for some people, and if you experience these symptoms you don’t have to hibernate any longer.

Winter is knocking at our doors, and many of you may already be experiencing early symptoms of the winter blues, but you don’t have to suffer through it. There are ways you can help ease the symptoms of SAD and have fun while doing it. You may not be able to change the seasons, but you can change the way they affect your life.

One major factor associated with SAD is the decreased amount of exposure to sunlight due to a lack of outdoor activity during the winter months. Some symptoms of SAD can be alleviated using medication or therapy, but the healthiest and most effective way to avoid SAD this winter is to get outside and leave your winter blues behind. There are many winter sports and recreations you can participate in to stay healthy this winter. Here are some great outdoor activities that will help get you out of the darkness and into the light this season.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter sports. Whether you like the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing or the laid back feel of cross country skiing both are great activities that will get you outside this winter. Skiing is an activity that the whole family can enjoy and members at any age can participate in. If you have never skied before, or may be a little rusty, it’s never too late to start hitting the slopes. Most mountains offer ski lessons that can teach you the basic skills needed to tackle any mountain. There are many ski resorts that can accommodate skiers at all experience levels.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is a unique winter recreation that will not only get you outside, but also create a memory that will last a lifetime. In the past dog sledding was used primarily for hunting and travel, but there are many places that offer dog sledding tours as a winter recreation. No experience is required and professional mushers will guide you through the snow covered terrain. Many dog sledding tours offer half-day, full-day and overnight camping trips for different levels of experience. You can even take mushing lessons and learn how to drive your own dog sled team.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a great outdoor winter activity for all types of riders. There is very little physical activity involved, so people at all fitness levels can enjoy this sport. Children who are not old enough to operate a snowmobile can still have fun riding with a responsible adult. Snowmobiling is a versatile activity that can range from a relaxing cruise to an extreme sport. Novice riders can take a tame ride and enjoy the scenery while more daring riders can speed through snow covered trails. If you don’t know anyone who owns a snowmobile or you don’t know where to ride, don’t worry. There are many places that offer snowmobile rentals and provide trails for you to ride on.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the winter is truly like walking in a winter wonderland. Hiking doesn’t have to end once winter arrives, and with the right gear you will feel completely comfortable in the cold. Simply bundle up, strap on a pair of snowshoes and hit your favorite hiking trails. It’s amazing how the same trails you walk during the spring and fall can seem like a whole new world in the winter time. There are many species of plants and animals that thrive during the winter months that you may not see during other times of the year. Best of all you won’t have to swat at any pesky bugs. If you want to test out the sport before taking the plunge on a snowshoe purchase there are places that offer snowshoe tours. They provide the snowshoes, trails and even lessons if you need them. Snowshoeing is a great activity for people of all ages. There is minimal physical activity involved, so as long as you can walk you can enjoy snowshoeing.

Bermuda Getaway

If you just can’t stand the cold there is no better way to soak up the sun than on a Bermuda vacation. This often overlooked island can easily be compared to the Caribbean with its clear blue water, tropical palms and beautiful beaches, but unlike the Caribbean, Bermuda experiences its off-season during the winter months. This means you can have the beach to yourself, you never have to make a dinner reservation, the locals will be genuinely glad to see you, and you will pay significantly less than traveling to the Caribbean. Bermuda may be slightly cooler in temperature than the Caribbean during this time, but if you’re not a keen swimmer for 1/3 the price you can still enjoy plenty of sand, fun and sun.

Stop counting down the days left till spring or praying that the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow. You don’t have to hibernate this winter and subject yourself to oversleeping, overeating, boredom and depression. You can reduce the symptoms of SAD simply by getting outside and soaking up some sun. There are many winter recreations that will take you outdoors and keep you fit and healthy this season. Find an activity that interests you or plan a winter getaway that will help you kiss those winter blues goodbye.

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