One of the major issues that contributes to the onset of seasonal affective disorder is our bodies’ response to lack of sunlight. Light therapy is an effective countermeasure in treating SAD – you can invest in UV lights that simulate natural sunlight.

If you’ve found some of your light fixtures to be dim throughout the year, now is the perfect chance to replace the lights with brighter bulbs. Several hardware stores sell light bulbs that can effectively approximate daylight.

Wintertime is also a good opportunity to optimize the natural lighting in your home. Light is sparse in the winter, so you want to ensure you’re letting in as much sunshine as possible. Opt for white, sheer curtains that can maintain privacy while brightening your interior. Try these expert-recommended ways to maximize natural light in your home.

Another tactic that can enhance the lightness and brightness in your home is sprucing up your walls with a trendy paint colour. Grab a swatch from a home hardware store and choose from bright springtime colours like yellow and green to bring some energy into your home. Decorating with artificial flowers also makes a big difference.

It’s easy to underestimate how much seasonal affective disorder can impact your appetite. It’s typical to carb load during this time and skimp on foods that provide us with the nutrients our bodies tend to lack come winter, like Vitamin D.

In addition to vitamins, you’ll want to stock your pantry and fridge with food that’s good for your body. We love making these mood-boosting recipes from Food Network Canada.

Winter can also serve as an opportunity to elevate your cooking with homegrown herbs and produce. Tending to wintertime or a perennial garden in your backyard is a great way to get outside and fend off some of the melancholy typical in the colder months.

Speaking of gardens, a solution to breaking free of the cold winter landscape is to create an indoor garden in your home. Plants brighten our surroundings and positively impact our physical and mental health.

Even if you don’t have a green thumb or don’t have the space to plant an indoor or outdoor garden, the odd houseplant or two will significantly impact your seasonal affective disorder. Practical choices for winter include plants that purify the air or do well without direct sunlight.

A messy home is an insurmountable chore come winter and can stay heavy on the mind when you’re down and not feeling your best. Before the cold sets in, downsize your closets and purge your bathroom and pantries of any unused products.

In a similar vein to decluttering, you’ll want to give your home a deep clean before winter, so it’s not a huge task you need to complete come winter. You’ll want to deep clean your kitchen appliances, scrub your bathroom, and move your furniture around for a thorough clean.

A good night’s sleep is important, especially if you’re battling seasonal affective disorder. Before winter strikes, consider shopping for a new mattress. Learn more about the best Canadian mattress brands ranked by budget.

A mattress upgrade also means you can shop for new bedding – try bright colours and warm, soft fabrics. We recommend checking out these Canadian bedding brands for better sleep.

Snow days can make it hard to get out and get to the gym. Outfitting your garage or spare room with some exercise equipment can go a long way in beating cabin fever when the colder weather keeps you indoors.

No one wants to catch a winter cold, especially when you’re already dealing with seasonal affective disorder. Set up your beds, lounges and sofas with thick, bright throws and blankets to cuddle into when you need to keep warm. These should keep you toasty and any cold and flu symptoms at bay.