Have you been feeling irritable and tired? Are you recently having issues getting along with other people, oversleeping, or craving foods high in carbohydrates? Mayo Clinic tells us these are all symptoms of season affective disorder (SAD), a subtype of major depression ignited by the changing seasons.

Kathryn A. Roecklein, associate professor of psychology at University of Pittsburgh explained in a Huffington Post article that the shorter days in the fall and winter are the main variable affecting mood and causing seasonal depression. The reason the length of the day has such a great effect on the human body is because the internal clock, known as circadian rhythm, is aware of and effected by day length and daylight. You may have heard of circadian rhythm in relation to sleep, but did you know it also effects hormone release, temperature regulation, metabolism, and mood? It therefor makes sense that disruptions to circadian rhythm can be so powerful as to catalyze a form of major depression.

However, there is no reason to feel you are at the mercy of SAD. If you are experiencing symptoms like low energy, heavy arms and legs, and weight gain, take control now by trying these 8 home remedies.

1. Maximize exposure to daylight. Roecklin tells us one of the biggest factors in SAD is decreased daylight. It is therefore no surprise Huffington Post recommends maximizing exposure to daylight. Even small efforts like taking a walk outside during your lunch break, painting the walls of your home in bright colors, and sitting near a window at work can make a monumental difference. 

2. St. John's wort. Best Health Magazine Canada recommends drinking 40 to 60 drips St. John's wort mixed in a glass of cold water 3 times daily to stave off SAD. The herbal remedy is a long-believed anti-depressant that has been helpful to many in boosting mood, especially during the winter months.

3. Melatonin. This supplement is a synthetic form of a hormone which regulates mood, explains Mayo Clinic. When circadian rhythm is disrupted, your mood can go haywire. One way to rejig the highs and lows and treat SAD is to take a melatonin supplement. Before doing so however, consult your doctor.

4. Fish. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in cold-water fish, flaxseed, flax oil, and walnuts, may treat depression, says Mayo Clinic. To treat SAD, eat a healthy, well-rounded diet that includes plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Yoga. Patient QI reports a study published in medical journal Depression Anxiety suggests yoga improves symptoms of depression. Because maintaining a daily routine can also be helpful for preventing and treating SAD, practicing yoga in the morning is a wonderful method for transforming gloomy winter days into gleaming beacons.

6. Jasmine oil. This delightful scent is effective at stimulating and invigorating mood, explains Patient QI. Diffuse jasmine oil throughout your home as a method of aromatherapy or give yourself a mood-enhancing self-massage using jasmine oil.

7. Exercise. Moving the body is known to stimulate mind and mood. This is why Huffington Post urges all people exercise to prevent and treat SAD. Exercise has the additional mental benefit of releasing stress.

8. Socialize. A key marker of SAD is lowered interest in spending time with friends. Don't fall victim to this dangerous symptom! Huffington Post discusses research that says socializing releases stress, increases a sense of belonging and general well-being. Year round, but especially during winter, take care to schedule time to socialize and participate in activities that bring you joy.

Do you suffer from season affective disorder? We want to hear about it. Tell us your stories when you SHARE this article on social media.

RESOURCES HUFFINGTON POST, MAYO CLINIC, BEST HEALTH MAGAZINE CANADA, AND PATIENT QI