Millions of Americans suffer from winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, which occurs when lack of exposure to light (either because of shortened, dreary days or from spending long hours holed up in a windowless office) throws off your body rhythms.
But the American Psychiatric Association says this condition can strike in any season, and bright light therapy can help — with minimal side effects. Sitting in front of an artificial light box in the mornings has been shown to perk up mood and improve sleep at night. Or, if you'd rather not splurge on a light box, go for a mid-morning walk in the sunshine (assuming you can find some) for some mood-boosting vitamin D.
