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Around the holidays we all feel a little stressed out. But it’s generally a happy time as we anticipate gifts and the start of a new year. After all that excitement, it makes sense that we may feel a little glum come January 2. Especially with the ongoing pandemic. Plunging temps and inches of snow don’t help matters.
The Winter Blues
All of this can lead to a serious medical condition called seasonal affective disorder, fittingly known as SAD. “SAD is a type of depression that’s caused or related to the decreased amount of sunlight during the winter months,” explains Stephanie Catalano, LCSW and author of Mindful Makeover. The sun gives off UV rays and vitamin D, which cause serotonin to be released in our bodies.