In this episode, I talk about my personal experience from hating winter to loving it. I present strategies I use to overcome the challenges presented by the winter season. I look at the changes in mental health that come with the change of seasons, including Seasonal Affective Disorder. I also review evidence-based recommendations to coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder and what the benefits are between physical activity and mental health.

WHO AM I? Hello friend, I am Cori 😊 I love to think and figure out ways to improve my life and wellbeing. My thinking style and problem solving are in part molded by my post-secondary studies in Biomedical Sciences (BSc), Human Kinetics (BSc) and Occupational Therapy (MHSc). Through my podcast, I share personal and evidence-based strategies to overcome life’s challenges and improve resilience. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this episode is for educational or informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to obtain guidance about a specific medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any following content. OTHER SOCIALS: Twitter - twitter.com/FromCorisCorner Instagram - instagram.com/fromcoriscorner TikTok - tiktok.com/@fromcoriscorner REFERENCES CONSULTED AND CITED IN THIS EPISODE: Borjigin, J., Samantha Zhang, L., & Calinescu, A. A. (2012). Circadian regulation of pineal gland rhythmicity. In Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology (Vol. 349, Issue 1, pp. 13–19). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2011.07.009 Canadian Association of Mental Health (CAMH). (2024). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). CAMH. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/seasonal-affective-disorder Canadian Association of Mental Health (CAMH), British Columbia (BC) Division. (2013). Learn About Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here to Help. https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/sites/default/files/seasonal-affective-disorder_0.pdf Chekroud, S. R., Gueorguieva, R., Zheutlin, A. B., Paulus, M., Krumholz, H. M., Krystal, J. H., & Chekroud, A. M. (2018). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: a cross-sectional study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 739–746. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30227-X Dekker, J., de Groot, V., ter Steeg, A. M., Vloothuis, J., Holla, J., Collette, E., Satink, T., Post, L., Doodeman, S., Littooij, E. (2020). Setting meaningful goals in rehabilitation: rationale and practical tool. Clinical Rehabilitation, 34 (1), 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215519876299 Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches. In Depression Research and Treatment (Vol. 2015). Hindawi Publishing Corporation. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/178564 Mikkelsen, K., Stojanovska, L., Polenakovic, M., Bosevski, M., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2017). Exercise and mental health. Maturitas, 106, 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.09.003 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Seasonal Affective Disorder. NIMH. NIH Publication No. 23-MH-8138 https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder/seasonal-affective-disorder-508.pdf Neberich, M., & Opferkuch, F. (2021). Standardizing melanopic effects of ocular light for ecological lighting design of nonresidential buildings—an overview of current legislation and accompanying scientific studies. In Sustainability (Switzerland) (Vol. 13, Issue 9). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095131 Traffanstedt, M. K., Mehta, S., & Lobello, S. G. (2016). Major depression with seasonal variation: Is it a valid construct? Clinical Psychological Science, 4(5), 825–834. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702615615867