Do you have issues with daylight savings in Altoona? This time every year I start to get a little down because its getting darker faster, it’s colder, and I can’t get out to golf! Over time I’ve developed some great coping strategies for the fall and winter to make sure I not only stay physically happy and healthy but mentally as well!

Try these 4 things:

1. Exercise- Release those endorphins! Help reduce the winter blues, stress, anxiety, and depression by exercising. Many studies show that people who exercise regularly have much lower rates of anxiety and depression. Plus regular exercise helps you get better sleep which is a common problem in the colder months.
2. Eat Well- I know it’s tough to avoid sugar, especially right after Halloween, but do your best to avoid it. The spikes and dips of your blood sugar will definitely affect your mood. The Snickers commercial has it partially right, eaating a snickers will initially help your mood but you will be right back to hangry within the hour. So replace the Snickers with foods rich in chromium and magnesium to decrease chocolate cravings and increase B vitamins(folate) to help with mood.
3. Light- If you work in an office with no windows, you may never see the light of the short days to come. There are cheap light therapies you can get to put in your office that may help. You don’t need anything fancy but a few minutes every day in front of a light might be all you need to turn that frown upside down.
4. Adjustments- Getting adjusted can help! Relieving the pressure on nerves as well as physical touch can help your overall mood. Chiropractic care is proven to help stave off the cold and flu so make sure you come in regularly to keep your whole body happy

-Dr. Dawson