SAD: No Laughing Matter

Photo courtesy of Chicagoist

It’s that time of year… the days are noticeably shorter, and for some of us the reduced sunlight can translate into a loss of energy and even depression.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be a real drag… it may seem like the seasons are conspiring against you, but there is hope!  According to the Mayo Clinic, you can help alleviate seasonal blues by taking the following steps:

• Make your environment sunnier and brighter. Open blinds, add skylights and trim tree branches that block sunlight.  Sit closer to bright windows while at home or in the office.
• Get outside. Take a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park, or simply sit on a bench and soak up the sun.  Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help – especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning.
• Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase seasonal affective disorder symptoms.  Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.

See that last bullet point?  I smell a CrossFit endorsement!  As any CrossFitter knows, it’s a whole new world after an intense WOD.  Never tried a class?  This is the perfect time of year to jump in with both feet and avoid the wintertime slump.

Please note that the gym is closed today for a nutrition seminar with Robb Wolf.

Workout

Complete 20 rounds for time of:

• 5 Squats
• 5 Push-ups
• 5 Sit-ups