As the daylight gets shorter when winter approaches and out sunlight decreases in November and December, many of us in northern climates (and even some in more southern climes) start to experience what is commonly known as the “winter blues.” Add to this, the fact that many of us are not engaging in our favorite pastimes of camping and RVing during this time of the year and things can get downright depressing! While the medical term is “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or SAD, most of us just know this as the blues. Further, many feel they just need to suffer through it; that there is nothing they can do to minimize the symptoms they are experiencing. But there is much you can do if you are affected by this loss of light.
First of all, many medical people report that increasing your intake of vitamin D, either in the form of food or by supplement, can make up for the loss of sunlight that winter brings. While you will always want to be sure to check with your physician or other medical professional before adding a vitamin or supplement to your diet, I have even had a physician tell me that he and his wife add an extra 1000 or more milligrams of Vitamin D to their diets between the months of November and March. As long it does not interfere with any other conditions or medications you may have, this may be an easy solution to those winter blues.
Another option is adding more light to your life. Our bodies react due to the reduction in the daylight occurring during winter months. An easy solution is simply to add more light, via full-spectrum light bulbs. Simply replace one light bulb in your house with one listed as a full-spectrum bulb, which mimics the sunlight we are lacking at this time of year and sit under it at least 20 minutes each day. Just be sure the box says “full-spectrum” light bulbs.
Exercise is another option to defeat the winter blues. Just moving, getting more active, can alleviate depressive symptoms of any kind. This works in the winter as well as any time of year. Get yourself outside; go skiing or snowshoeing or just play in the snow. You will be surprised how much better you feel!
Get out and enjoy winter!
Getting a start on planning your summer camping and RV trips can help to lighten your mood as well. Sit down and cuddle up with Woodall’s 2012 Campground Directory and you will find yourself transported to happier, sunnier times. Before you know it, your mood will be lifted and your summer RV trip will be planned.
Woodalls Guide 2012
Winter blues strikes many of us. But you don’t have to simply suffer through them. Take a few simple steps and your days will feel brighter, even before spring flowers come your way!
To help with your trip planning, search for Woodall’s inspected RV campgrounds.
Diane Berry
@Jody–Yes, it really makes a difference!
Diane Berry
Yes, Tiffany–great ideas! Thanks!
Woodalls Editorial Staff
Hi Tiffany~
That is a great idea! Some of the yurts and cabins that parks have now are little spots of luxury. They are perfect for getting outdoors, but staying warm and comfortable at the same time.
We also like your site very much. You do a great job promoting the benefits and joys of the camping lifestyle.
Tiffany
We like to beat the winter blues by going cabin camping or yurt camping. Sometimes just a change of scenery is enough to lift your mood. And while you are out, you can be scouting out your spring and summer camping locations.
Jody
Best vitamin D3
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