As the days get shorter and the winter chill sets in, many people notice a dip in their mood. Feeling a little slower in the winter is common — but for millions of people, the seasonal shift brings something more serious: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). That’s why Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month, recognized each winter, is an important time to educate, support and remind people that help is available. This month offers an opportunity to understand the condition and learn strategies to stay well during the darker months.

According to Mayo Clinic, SAD is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes, typically appearing and fading at the same times each year. For most people, symptoms begin in the fall and persist through the winter, draining energy and affecting mood, before easing in spring and summer.

Though the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder isn’t fully understood, several factors are believed to play a role. Reduced sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, leading to changes in sleep and mood. Shorter days may also lower serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that supports happiness and well-being. At the same time, darker months can increase melatonin production, the hormone that promotes sleep, which may explain the sluggishness many people experience during winter.

Here are 10 tips to help you cope with SAD.

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Seek sunlight every day: Even 20 minutes outdoors—cloudy or not—can boost mood. If natural light is limited, consider a light therapy lamp.
• Prioritize social connections: Regular contact with friends or family combats isolation and lifts spirits.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3s to support brain health.
• Exercise regularly: Movement releases endorphins. Outdoor walks combine exercise with daylight exposure.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation: Daily breathing exercises or short meditations reduce stress and improve resilience.
• Limit screen time at night: Blue light disrupts sleep. Use filters or switch off devices earlier.
• Create a cozy environment: Warm lighting, aromatherapy or calming rituals can make evenings more comforting.
• Plan enjoyable activities: Schedule hobbies, book clubs or creative projects to stay engaged and motivated.
• Talk to a professional if needed: If daily life feels overwhelming, therapy or medical support can provide tailored strategies.

To learn more, watch this video where Kellie Lanier, Maxim’s Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, gives 3 tips for caregivers this December.

Maxim Healthcare provides home healthcare services through over 150 offices around the country. Our dedicated caregivers provide compassionate and patient-centered skilled and personal care services in the comfort of home. Contact your local Maxim office to learn more about the services available in your area.