Has the season of joy got you down? Every where you look there are bells ringing, lights flashing, and people shopping, but not you. You would rather stay home and hide away from it all.

You aren't alone. For some, it's a serious condition called SAD - seasonal affective disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mild to severe symptoms of depression are common with this disorder and can start as early as August and last until April. The worst months seem to be during the heart of winter from November to February. If you believe you suffer from this illness, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options. Depression gone untreated, even if it's seasonal, can become a serious detriment to your long-term state of health.

Milder symptoms are considered by many as the holiday or winter blues. Maybe friends and family are far away or you're nursing a broken heart when it seems so many couples are getting together. Or maybe the materialism of the holidays leaves you cold. It's not something you necessarily want to see a doctor about but could use a boost all the same.

Light therapy: This isn't just for SAD sufferers. Many of us, especially in the colder, northern climes, react to not having enough sunlight in the winter. Less energy, fatigue, and moodiness are all symptoms. Light therapy usually in the form of a light box that emits bright white fluorescent light has been shown to relieve symptoms of winter depression.

Exercise: Getting up and moving may be the last thing you want to do, but it's one of the best ways to boost your energy and your mood. You don't have to join a gym or set unrealistic goals for yourself. The point is to feel healthy physically and mentally. Yoga or another stretching program is a gentle way to introduce exercise into your life if you aren't used to it.

Say yes to that invitation: So your coworkers are a bit off the wall or your well-meaning friends are trying to set you up with someone who is "just perfect for you." Stepping out of our comfort zones can be just the thing needed to shake off the blues. Go ahead and attend that office party. Even if it's a dud, you will keep from becoming a hermit which tends to exacerbate the blues.

Sleep well: Sleep is an important factor for good health. Good sleep hygiene is something easily ignored. Keep a consistent schedule as far as when you awake and go to bed. If you have occasional trouble falling asleep, natural sleep aids like valerian root and melatonin can be beneficial. As with any oral medications, even including those considered natural, make sure you don't have a pre-existing health condition they might interfere with before you take them.

Get creative: You may not have any parties to attend, but that doesn't have to stop you from making that gourmet recipe you've always wanted to try. Start a new hobby or renew your interest in an old one. This will give you a sense of accomplishment while keeping those gray cells working at the same time.

The season will pass and most likely you will be back to your chipper self in the spring.

In the meantime, go ahead and use one or all of these tips to keep the winter blues under control. You don't have to suffer. You have the power to make the changes needed for your good health.

Reference:

"Seasonal Affective Disorder." National Alliance on Mental Illness. February 2004. December 2008.