"Beating Winter Blues: Expert Tips for Seasonal Mental Health"

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects up to 5 percent of people and is characterized by symptoms such as sadness, loss of energy, and strong cravings for carbohydrates during the winter months. Light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and outdoor activities are recommended to combat SAD. While SAD is linked to the shortage of daylight, some individuals find solace in the darkness, such as Cecilia Blomdahl, who embraces the polar night on a Norwegian island. Chasing the light isn't the only way to enjoy winter, and it's important to experiment and pay attention to how activities make you feel in order to combat the winter blues.