Exercise can help Seasonal Affective Disorder 

Exercise is an important element of feeling well for everyone. A number of studies have shown that it has a beneficial effect for people who suffer from depression, so it is especially vital for those feeling down due to SAD. One study even showed that 30 minutes jogging three times a week is as effective at treating depression as psychotherapy. And you start to feel the benefits in as little as a few days.

If exercise is taken outdoors during daylight hours it has an additional benefit of exposing you to the light you need when suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder and you get lots of fresh air too in contrast to sitting around in the stuffy atmosphere that tends to prevail in our homes in winter.

Of course the last thing you feel like doing when you have SAD is getting out and about in the cold, but it's important to make yourself do this because you will feel so much better when you do. If necessary begin after you have your symptoms under control with other types of treatment, but don't let feeling better be an excuse not to do it either!

Even the dullest day outside will give you exposure to about 10,000 lux of light – a mini therapy in itself. But don't use it to replace light therapy if that is helping you unless you have only minor SAD symptoms. Use it as an additional boost.

Exercise does not have to be really strenuous to help with SAD. A brisk walk is ideal and should not drain you of energy. On the contrary you are likely to come back invigorated by the fresh air, daylight and circulation-boosting effects of your efforts.

Over time with regular exercise you will build stamina and your energy levels will improve. For this you should continue with an exercise routine all year round so that your body maintains optimum fitness levels.