POLL: What is YOUR favourite way to beat those Winter blues?

I can't say I ever get Winter blues, the same way I'm seldom bored. I do find the lack of sun, especially here in the Midlands, can get on my nerves sometimes. But that spurs me to take full advantage of it when it is out!

Someone mentioned mood lamps. I wonder if they mean UV lights? Their supposed to help with Seasonal Affect Disorder from the shortened daylight in Winter. I have no idea if there's any reliable medical basis for them or not.

I love going shopping to make me feel better, but also having a really nice meal and then going to the cinema - that way you don't really notice that it is dark outside! Keeping your flat or house warm and light always helps, lots of side lamps and candles really help and having friends over in the evening to have a laugh.

The mood lamps do really work especially for people who have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADS).

I found this interesting article:

http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/healthAtoZ/healthAdvice/winterBlues.html

Which says the following:

"Multiple studies found that the majority of those suffering from the winter blues experienced relief solely from the regular use of "light boxes." Light boxes emit high intensities of light of 2,500 to 10,000 lux (as compared to a normal light fixture that emits 250 to 500 lux) and produce similar effects to the sun’s natural rays. The high intensities of light improve the mood of those suffering from the winter blues because they restrict the secretion of melatonin in the brain."

The excessive secretion of Melatonin may cause a feeling of drowsiness and depression.

Hi Rob

Moodlamps sound great- I've not used one myself, but I have friends that swear by them. I'm tempted to buy one.

I found this article in the Telegraph archive too on Winter Blues. And searching on google uncovered a dismal statistic- apparently over half of the UK population suffer from 'Winter Blues'  in some form- so we should take care of ourselves!!

I've also just realsied that there are two other options that should be above.

'Fly away to warmer climes and ignore the winter.'

and

'Throw youself into a host of festive celebrations- as it is definitely the season for them.'

The last one just occured to me as I absolutely love the various festivals- from Bonfire Night to Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square. This time of year we are a bit spoilt for choice!

For a lot of people, the winter blues are a real issue!  There's a lot of people out there who really suffer (in terms of mood) at this time of year.

I find that exercise really helps, but some people are going even further...I have heard of people buying 'Mood Lamps'!?!  Apparently, you sit under them and they're meant to make you feel better.  I'm not sure I buy in to that.  What do other people think?