Do you know anyone that fatigue more easily during the winter months? Is it increasingly difficult to get motivation or to become fully operational during the short summer season? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is fairly common, especially in climates with frequent gray skies and winter days. Surprise is that even people in sunny Florida is sometimes affected by the "Winter Blues" syndrome.

SAD is linked to changes in ambient light, cloudy days, or inadequate indoor lighting. SAD not only related to blue moods. You can create health problems because the common symptoms include daytime fatigue, sugar binge eating, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, lethargy, hopelessness, lack of interest in normal activities, and social isolation. Most victims SAD hate getting out of bed in the morning because you never feel rested.
None of this produced the best performance or the joy in the work. The good news is that the condition can be corrected, thoughtful and quite cheap.

Light therapy has been considered the ideal treatment for SAD. The full spectrum bulbs and bulbs with color temperatures between 3000 and 6500 degrees can destroy the winter blahs. Some studies have indicated up to 86% of those affected by winter SAD symptoms completely surpassed when the light bulbs are used consistently.

Fluorescent lights have received a mixed review. Some people say that the fluorescent lights help with SAD, but ultraviolet light can damage eyes and skin. Fluorescent also can rob the body of B vitamins, which are essential to our sense of wellbeing.

I previously ran a national agency located in western Washington state, an area with short winter days and skies cloudy for months at a time. The staff who were affected by SAD spoke openly about the tendency to feel lethargic and susceptible to the winter blahs. Tardiness and increased absenteeism, drug and winter.

After installation of full spectrum light bulbs, we observed a marked decrease in the irritability and a significant increase of energy at minimal cost. The teamwork began to excel. People were more enthusiastic and arrived on time for work. Costs health care declined.

Although SAD is usually discussed with regard to depression, SAD is also related stories of anger and aggression at work. How do you change an incandescent bulb color of a low watt bulb light transform a vicious temperament in a state of serenity? An incandescent bulb pale purple can create joy imitating daylight.

Light works for and against us. When direct, flagrant, or ultra-bright, can cause eyestrain and headaches.
Because SAD is related to the daylight, are also useful for increasing outdoor activity, especially in sunny days.

Human beings were not designed to spend the winter in the closed buildings. Winning the additional natural Sun exposure can significantly raise energy levels. For these reasons, I have encouraged our employees to leave during breaks and did the same thing myself. Eating a balanced diet can also be immensely useful to counteract the tendency for SAD.

If you are a manager or team leader, to observe what happens when you survey your staff before and after boarding directly the common problem of SAD in the winter, especially in northern climates. Increased productivity, teamwork, morale and make you more happy to have made.

 © 2008

Visit More Joy On the Job and get more free tips, podcasts, & special reports. Sign up for the free “Joy On the Job Ezine.” Doris Helge, Ph.D., is an executive coach, corporate trainer, and speaker. She is author of “Joy on the Job,” “Transforming Pain Into Power,” and other books. Dr. Helge hosts the “More Joy on the Job” radio show. See Joy On the Job

You can reprint the above article as long as it remains intact and credit is given to Doris Helge, Ph.D. (c) 2008

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