I used to live in Seattle, where gray days are a way of life, so you’d think I’d be able to handle the few gloomy, cold days that Atlanta has had recently. But we’ve had such a warm, sunny fall here in the southeast that just reaching for my heavy winter coat has me feeling sad. That’s lowercase sad, though, not uppercase SAD, which stands for seasonal affective disorder. This disorder usually strikes people during the fall and winter, perhaps because the days are so dark and short (scientists aren’t exactly sure why SAD strikes). Some people, though, do experience SAD’s symptoms during the spring and summer. Some signs of SAD include feelings of depression and hopelessness, weight gain, loss of energy, oversleeping, appetite changes and loss of interest in activities or events that you’d otherwise be gung-ho about.

Many of those symptoms are the same as depression, of course, so doctors may only be able to diagnose SAD after several years, when they can detect a pattern of symptoms starting and stopping. Once diagnosed, SAD is usually treated with light therapy and antidepressants. But there are a few lifestyle changes that everyone — regardless of whether you have symptoms of SAD — can use to make the winter months more bearable.

First off, exercise. Obviously, this is a year-round feel-good tip, but it will help keep stress and anxiety at bay. If you refuse to pile on layers to get your workout outside, try out a few exercise DVDs in the privacy of your living room or look into that gym membership you’ve been thinking about. And of course, the holiday season provides an opportunity to multi-task on this one — walking laps around the mall, anyone?

One of the best times to exercise during winter months is between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. As I typed that sentence, I thought, “Molly, are you crazy?” But as it turns out, that morning light is especially beneficial, and many light therapy sessions include a dawn simulation. If you don’t think you can make it outside that early, then sitting by the window and watching the world go by is an acceptable substitute. No matter the structure of your day, spend as much of it as possible outside or near a window when the sun’s out. If that’s not enough, then there are lamps and light boxes available for purchase, though you should consult your doctor before using one.

While you may want to cling to comfort foods to help you get over the winter blahs, you’re better off skipping simple sugars and carbohydrates that abound in holiday treats. Try to keep your eating on track with lots of lean protein, fruits and veggies.

This last tip isn’t an option for everyone, but if you really can’t stand day after day of soul-crushing darkness, it may be time to consider a move to warmer climes. I can say from experience that there’s a reason I live in Atlanta instead of Seattle now. At the very least, consider budgeting for a winter vacation next year.

Readers, how do you cope with winter blues?

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