Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more than the 'winter blues.' For those affected, the condition is a form of depression that relates to seasonal shifts. The condition, which will hit an individual around the same time each year, is most often associated with the winter months (although rare cases strike during spring, summer, and autumn). SAD often leaves people with a sense of lethargy, mood swings, and loneliness; each symptom is a daily struggle, affecting the mind and dampening memories of what could be a cheerful holiday season.

If this sounds like something you deal with, or is something you certainly deal with, learn to cope. Don't allow yourself to get stuck in a rut; as someone who has been there before, I can tell you that I feel much better when I find things that make me feel warm again, sometimes physically and all times emotionally and mentally.

Here are seven ways that I, along with others who've dealt with SAD, have adjusted to the chill:

1. Maximize your exposure to daylight, both in action and in setting.

Sunshine wards off the feelings darkness and/or bleakness both physically and mentally. So, optimize your time in the sunlight! Find ways to make your home or workspace brighter- keep blinds and curtains open, make sure your view outside the window is clear by cutting any wild bushes, and try to sit near windows when you can.

2. Brighten your living space with colors.

Find ways to incorporate vibrant colors into your home, workspace, and everyday life. Though it may seem cheesy, fake flowers work wonders; stick them in colorful vases for an added twist. Bright colored notebooks, books, pens, blankets, picture frames, pillows, mugs, cups... whatever you can find. If you're like me and love neutral colors, do not be afraid or hesitant to go bold. Brightening your environment can shockingly brighten your mood.

3. If you absolutely cannot find anything to brighten your space (due to dark weather or lack of light, for example), consider light therapy.

There are several artificial light devices that can instantly boost your mood or make you feel more in tune with your time and your schedule. From portable light boxes to dawn simulators that slowly light up your room like a rising sun in the morning, there are several options that will help your mood brighten.

4. Though it may seem ironic... go out into nature.

Walks, walks, walks. Take walks. Take morning walks; wake up early, grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage, bundle up, and explore. Take evening or nighttime walks; bundle up again, grab a cup of coffee, and explore. It doesn't matter when or how; look around for new parks or just take a neighborhood stroll. Even if the outdoors is ironically the reason for your depression, you should explore it. The air is refreshing; at the least, it is preferable to sitting inside all day.

5. Treat yo self...

Really. Do not be afraid to purchase yourself something, anything, that will help your mood. For some, this means a new book. A video game. A yoga DVD. A nail polish set. A coloring book. A basketball. Whatever it is, it is worth the purchase if it will help cheer you up and help you establish a sense of balance again.

6. And engage in activities that make you feel happy and relaxed.

Do the thing(s) you love. Whether that thing is playing playing soccer, writing, or playing Mario, you need to do it. If you don't know what that thing is, figure it out. Try to pinpoint the things that make you feel calm, peaceful, and relaxed. If you cannot seem to figure out what that is, ask a friend. They may be able to tell you something they think they've seen you enjoy from an outside perspective.

7. Speaking of friends... use them. Don't feel the need to keep your struggle hidden. Feel free to talk to someone, regardless of whether they struggle with SAD or not.

You don't need to fight the mood battle alone. Find people who you've warmed up to and approach them. Sit down and talk. Someone (friend, family, classmate, workmate, hallmate...) would be happy to talk through the situation with you, or just listen to you. If you can't find anyone in person, know that there are support groups filled with people who struggle with SAD or any form of depression/anxiety/struggle. Find them... communities are available both in person and online.

Find ways to find the light. Don't get stuck being SAD.