Green Daily

For many, those winter blues are a serious concern, as most of the symptoms -- lethargy, overeating, melancholy and oversleeping, for instance -- are similar to those commonly associated with depression .

Some believe this problem -- more formally called Seasonal Affect Disorder -- is caused by lack of high quality bright light. While getting from a gloomy climate to a brighter one -- beach or ski slope -- could be curative, not everyone can afford to do so.

Some suggest a special, high quality light (not simply a plant light but one created specifically for lifting the blues). And this should also be taken into consideration when constructing a new home. A builder I know who specializes in energy efficient housing says that SAD is one reason siting houses to the south for maximum light makes good sense (beyond simple energy efficiency).

An alternative medicine organization called PeaceHealth adds a simple piece of advice (that certainly keeps my spirits intact during the long winter): spend time outdoors. Yes, you have to bundle up, and getting out is harder because of the cold, but the benefits of fresh air just can't be underestimated.