Minnesota is in the depths of extremely cold and occasionally snowy weather this February.
These familiar winter conditions might have some feeling down, and experts caution it's not something to ignore.
The term winter blues gets thrown around this time of year. However, researchers say for some, it can be a serious concern, noting up to 6% of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal affective disorder.
It's a form of depression punctuated by the shorter days and longer nights.
Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychology Education at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Sabine Schmid, said this disorder can be quite debilitating.
"SAD in the winter often goes with sleeping more than usual," said Schmid, "feeling sluggish during the day and craving carbohydrates, which often leads to significant weight gain."
Trouble concentrating and social withdrawal are other symptoms. One way to combat this disorder is exposure to daylight.
When it's sunny, try to get outside for at least 30 minutes, or 60 minutes when skies are gray. You can also supplement that with at home therapy involving a light box, which mimics natural sunlight.
It's suggested you talk to a health provider about the best kinds to try.
Building a network of supportive friends and family, or checking in with a mental health professional or primary care physician are other tips.
UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rhonda Randall said reengaging with exercise can help, too.
"Research would tell us that by now that about three quarters of us have abandoned that New Year's resolution," said Randall, "so it's not too late to get back on track and think about it as a long-term goal, right? You're on a marathon, not a sprint."
UnitedHealthcare says to stay on track with fitness goals, focus on the process rather than the outcome.
For example, if you want to shed unwanted weight, aim to walk at least 6,000 steps each day and strength train twice a week.
Along the way, that consistent physical activity might aid efforts to ward off seasonal affective disorder.
