Did you know that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects almost 280 million people per year? SAD takes a toll not only physically — weakening the immune system and suppressing appetite — but mentally as well. Even without a clinical diagnosis, most Michiganders can agree that January begins to drag. The long, dark hours coupled with below-freezing temperatures all start to add up. Do you feel sluggish, extra tired, or foggy? Here's how to keep yourself sharp when the weather around you tries to make you dull.

Brain Games

Routine tends to dull the mind by allowing boredom to set in. Challenging our brains helps create neuroplasticity — helping us think quicker on our feet, be more mindful throughout the day, and prevent mental decline. From the morning crossword to a weekly Scrabble game, there are plenty of physical options to try. And when you have downtime in your day, brain training apps are a fun and accessible way to keep your mind active.

Exercise

An all-around positive addition to your daily routine, exercise doesn't have to be strenuous. Just 30 minutes of increased heart rate can do wonders for your focus and concentration throughout the day. Scientists have also recently discovered a link between exercise and cognitive aging — meaning consistent physical activity throughout your life may actually help stave off mental deterioration and dementia.

Vitamin D

This essential nutrient is well known for its effects on bone health, but it is also necessary to keep our circulatory and nervous systems functioning properly. Vitamin D is hard to come by during the dark and cold winter months. Since sunlight is the primary source for most people, try supplementing with foods rich in Vitamin D such as:

• Tuna and mackerel
• Oysters and shrimp
• Mushrooms
• Egg yolks

Be a Beginner

Hobbies are an enjoyable way to stay busy during off hours. Many of us reach for pre-existing favorites — reading, yoga, painting — and these outlets are well known for lowering heart rates and calming anxious minds after a long day. But did you know your brain can start to acclimate to familiar hobbies over time? A great way to challenge yourself is to become a beginner at something new. Learning a new skill positively affects all other areas of your thought process — so while you pick up a new language or try pottery, you are also quickening your cognitive abilities and turning back the clock on your mental odometer.

Sharpening your mind doesn't have to be an arduous process — keep it fun! With simple games, apps, and interests you may have shelved for years, you can begin to reset your mental age. Keep pushing forward toward a better life, and keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power blog for excellent lifestyle tips!