Should you wear sunscreen on cloudy days? Yes, because the sun still shines through the clouds although it might not be apparent. And actually, this fact is important to remember as we go through life. 

Just like it is still feasible to believe in the sun on cloudy days, life itself will always present a source of light, even if it doesn't appear to be shining. This metaphor is especially helpful to remember during the holidays. During the winter, cloudy weather is very common, and this seasonal change is highly associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or depression. 

Scientists don't fully understand why SAD happens, but they feel it could be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight and shorter days.  

Scientists posit that reduced sunlight exposure may affect how the hypothalamus in the brain works. According to Healthline, a change in hypothalamus activity may affect the following:

• Production of melatonin – melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy; in people with SAD, the body may produce it in higher than normal levels

• Production of serotonin – serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep; a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is linked to feelings of depression

• Body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) – your body uses sunlight to time various important functions, such as when you wake up, so lower light levels during the winter may disrupt your body clock and lead to symptoms of SAD

Nostalgia 

There's also the aspect of nostalgia, a common experience during the holidays. Nostalgia is a sentimental longing for the past or the wistful happiness that derives from re-experiencing and recreating past memories. However, nostalgia can also cause pensiveness and to some extent sadness, feelings of loss, or dissatisfaction with the present, especially if you're comparing things.

Nostalgia can be a calming experience, but it can also bring rumination and feelings of disillusionment. When experiencing nostalgia during the holidays, it's important to practice mindfulness to avoid crashing afterward.

Here are some mindfulness tips to keep in mind as you experience nostalgia during the Holidays.

• What are you grateful for now?
• What are some of the things you still have and value?
• In what ways have you grown from the past?
• What are some things you are relieved about letting go or changing? 
• What are some new and good things that have happened?

Red light as a treatment option for SAD symptoms like insomnia and grogginess.

Red LED is known to help the body release melatonin, and this has been substantiated by a multitude of studies. It has also been shown to reduce grogginess by supporting circadian rhythm.

However, scientists actually look at green light for addressing SAD symptoms like depression. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can also be an effective treatment for symptoms like depression. You can check out telehealth options at BetterHelp.

Cover photo cred: FAVIM