The Winter Blues

The winter blues, or, as Jennifer Brown, Arrowhead Union High School Psychology teacher, calls it: S.A.D. (Seasonal Affected Disorder) has been affecting the students at Arrowhead harshly.

“It’s too cold to stand outside to do anything. I rather be cuddled up in my pajamas watching New Girl,” said senior Alexandrea Wind.

According to the Mayoclinic.com, S.A.D. is a type of depression that a person develops during the seasons. It can be yearround however, winter S.A.D. is the most prevalent.

Some researchers say S.A.D. is physiologic. The lack of sunlight may mess up biological clocks, making a person moody, tired, or irritable. These behaviors may be intensified in students by the stress brought on by exams.

“From what I think, the season change doesn’t really affect me,” said by senior Hannah Elrod.

According to junior Vincent Salamone, “I get really lazy around the winter.”

S.A.D. does not affect everyone, but the symptoms of it can be common especially amongst students.

S.A.D. does not have to be a norm unless a person chooses it, according to Dr. Womack of Behavioral Science at Boston University.

“Bad moods are a choice. Do something that raises serotonin levels, which can cause a person to feel better all around,” says Dr. Womack.

Serotonin levels can be easily increased by just a few simple changes in daily routines and activities. According to livestrong.com, try getting at least two hours sunlight a day. That can be walking your dog or shoveling your driveway. Do things that revitalizes and make you feel good, like  visiting museums, going to football games, and watching light-hearted entertainment on television. Also eat a well balanced meal followed by a carbohydrate snack a couple hours later.

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