Activities in the fresh air and mental well-protected from the winter depression. When the days get shorter, it is deliberately using the bright hours.

By October, it will no longer be ignored - the days are getting shorter, and after the time change at the end of the month, the half begins the long evenings. While some people also pleased to find more leisure for the things that are in the summer are still there, others suffer in the increasing darkness. Still, there are nearly 10% of the central European population, are of the "winter depression" or "seasonal affective disorder (SAD)" affected. Unlike the psychologically induced depression is the trigger for a clear winter depression: the body is missing light! Accordingly, the treatment relatively simple and, above all, you can prevent yourself and take action to alleviate. 

By lack of light production of the mood-serotonin in the brain is reduced, leading to depressive dejection. At the same time in the body increases the hormone melatonin, which is produced during darkness and reduced during daylight hours. The larger amount of melatonin is responsible for the constant fatigue and lassitude of winter depression. Accordingly, the need for sleep is particularly high. Another typical symptom of winter depression is ravenous attacks of carbohydrate foods. Thus, the body tries to extract itself from the listlessness and feeling low. 

• Refuel light

In a winter depression, the body's primary need is light, and this day. That means going every day for at least an hour in the fresh air, preferably in the middle of the day, because then the light intensity is strongest. At the weekend a good idea to the time you spend outside prolong significantly. And who has availed of a few days available, may be able to refuel in more southern countries of the sun.

• Movement

• Food

• Relaxation and well being

Stress during the festive season can bring the energy balance also confused, then a low mood and emotional exhaustion are almost inevitable. It is better to make time for relaxation and breaks. A cup of tea or coffee by candlelight, before passing it to the next item, it can sometimes help to revert to a calmer pace. Or why not set up a full time well-being.

• Time for yourself

They show more time for herself, the novel that's been waiting so long for it to be swallowed up, sort the pictures from your last vacation and look at again, or create space for creative Treat. The dark season is also the time of dreams. When you begin to care for his dreams, they can usually not long in coming. Encourage the memory of a dream by the inner set of "I'll keep my dream of going" to bed, and you begin to keep a dream diary in the morning, when it is still dark.

• Time for socializing

The motivation in the context of winter depression often leads to social withdrawal. However, suggestions from others and fun with friends together, staying on the track. Go to the movies or theater or meet up at a game night, or bake your Christmas cookies with their friends. And, how to finally visit the community college course that would be interested in you so long? Even learning is difficult for many in the winter light brush - an opportunity to the language for the next holiday.

If all this does not help to determine the fatigue and listlessness still only a lame and depressing the mood at very low, it is advisable to get specialist help. Light therapy with high intensity, but without UV radiation and natural remedy St. John's Wort have been proven in the treatment of winter depression. Furthermore, would clarify whether behind the depressed mood and fatigue more than just hiding a winter depression.