Are the shorter days making you SAD? Take action now.

If you’re feeling a bit out of sorts lately, the shorter days could be to blame. 

Most of us feel better in the summer. The transition to fall and winter can throw our systems off a bit, making it harder to get out of bed, concentrate and function. Those are all symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and there are a few things we can do to keep it at bay:

* Let there be light: Get as much natural light as possible between 6 and 8 am. Early morning light helps us adjust and even helps on a cloudy day.

* Have a SAD breakfast: There’s a reason hot oatmeal feels right at this time of year. Cooked cereals and bran help to raise serotonin levels.

* Check your vitamins: It may be time to change them with the season. A vitamin with magnesium, B complex and a D supplement can provide you with some of what’s missing with summer.

* Step outside: It’s important to get plenty of fresh air through your transition. Make it part of your daily routine to get up and outside several times a day.

Seasonal affective disorder usually peaks in the late fall and winter, but being proactive now, at the start of the season, can help lessen those levels. Talk to your doctor now if you think you’ve suffered from seasonal depression in the past.