Have A Happy Year -- How To Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder
MUO
"Happy New Year" wishes can ring false to those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or "Winter Blues". This round-up of tools could help to improve the quality of your life. "Happy New Year" wishes can ring false to those who suffer from , or "Winter Blues". It's a type of depression that impacts individuals during months of little sun. However, there are a number of dimensions of health and wellness, and lacking in any of them can lead to this seasonal depression. That's why we've created this round-up of apps, tools, and websites to help improve quality of your life -- including a tool specifically for SAD sufferers at the end! Do remember: If you feel you are suffering from SAD, it is important to seek the help of a trained medical professional. Eat Right
What you eat can impact your health and happiness, so don't neglect it. Calorie Counting
(Free) is a cross-platform app that will help you track the food you eat and the exercise you do, so you can measure your progress towards achieving your weight goal. We found it the in 2012. Meal Planning
If meal-planning is the tricky part, give a try. It's a website that will for you, and more. If you have a tablet or smartphone you can prop up, it can be really handy for cooking. You'll find a variety of apps with , great for the Microsoft Surface users, for example. Just try not to touch the screen with messy cooking fingers (seal it in an ordinary zip-lock bag, and the touchscreen will still work)! Community
Of course, sometimes what you really need to get motivated to work towards healthy living is a community with whom you can share experiences, sympathy, and pep talks. for community and productivity, not just a place for memes, so check out one of these and you'll be sure to find people who share your challenges and would love to help. Get Active
Studies have long shown that . According to Michael Otto, PhD, a professor of psychology at Boston University, "The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong. Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect." - , American Psychological Association Apps
You to get a good workout. There are that can show you how to exercise your whole body in minutes a day. iPhone owners can , or find workout exercises, photos, and videos with apps like (Free). Gadgets
For automated exercise-goal-measurement, try a . You don't have to buy the expensive Apple Watch to get a great one either -- there are that can track fitness goals too. For the Android users and those who prefer not to pair it up with a smartphone, there are other options, such as the , to the , to the . If none of those is right for you, check out our to help you get in shape. Sleep Well
and vice versa, so getting a good night's sleep can be a tricky one. However, smartphones can help you carry and wake more refreshed. Apps like can calibrate your alarm clock to . Apps and hardware have even been designed to help you , where you can consciously control your dreams. Unfortunately, this kind of technology can't help much if stress is causing your insomnia or depression problems. De-Stress
It's no secret that too much stress can make you angry or depressed, reduce your productivity, or even make you sick. I have no ground-breaking advice in this area to give, unfortunately. Find a stress-reliever that works for you, and don't give up until you find one. Remember to breathe -- there are even . Some other things you can do: Try with the help of YouTube Channels. Listen to , available for free download. Simplify your life by . Most of all, don't give up. Seek help from a counselor, therapist, or trusted friend or relative if your stress problems (or other issues) are severe. Reach Out
There is no shortage of more generally. The community has over 90,000 subscribers, and they have very supportive policies. Get More Light
Studies show the on people with SAD. Those of you who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder specifically, look into getting a like this Philips GoLite. 15-30 minutes under the bright blue light gives you extra energy you're missing from the sun, and can jump-start your morning. What s Your Take
What are your favourite ways to reduce stress and improve happiness? Let us know in the comments, and have a happy and healthy new year!