Winter Depression

[Triskeliongirl]

Also, check you aren't using skin care products with sunscreen. They are now so pervasive. I developed a vit D defeciency which I tracked down to recommendation from a doc for daily sunscreen usage. Now I just use it if cycling on a very sunny day, or skiing, or going to the beach. I also find going for a short walk outdoors to get a cup of coffee in the afternoon instead of going to the indoor stand helps too (and of course my doc started me on vit D supps). Exercise is a biggy too, as you mentioned, in terms of lifting mood. Even if you feel blah, get yourself to commit to a planned schedule, for say one week. By the end of the week you'll be hooked and won't feel blah anymore. I have an 8pm daily appt with 'coach troy.' If I'm not up for that, I set my trainer up in front of the TV, and at least pedal while I watch. It always makes me feel better and I notice the training effect on weekend rides.

[Lauralyn]

This discussion was great for me. This is the first year that I had the winter blah's. I too found out that my Vit D was low and have increased this. I so look forward to getting out on my bike to ride it just makes me feel great!

[abejita]

I'm doing great...spring came just in time! Last week the highs were in the 80's, we are on DST, all is good again!

I did up my vit D supplement over the winter and it seemed to help a bit.

Hope everyone else is coming out of their winter slumps soon too!

mary

[Kathi]

Wow, since I learned to ski I had forgotten about, "winter depression". Even when I lived in the dreary midwest skiing gave me a purpose for winter, Christmas and spring breaks, skiing somewhere in snow country.

Now that I live in Colorado I don't notice winter, 63 downhill days, 7 xc days. It's been snowing here all day, still snowing, 22 degrees with 10+" of powder on the slopes, more on the way. Hard to believe winter is almost gone and there's only a month left to ski. Daily outdoor activity, even if it's a simple walk, keeps winter blues at bay.

As much as I'm trying not to, I already have a tanned face and my vitamin D levels are normal.