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Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Trivia: Which famous scientist developed the theory of relativity?
RetireHub
January 09, 2026
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On this day in 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone, a groundbreaking device that blended a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator, reshaping mobile technology and how the world connects.
Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As the days grow shorter and darker, many people notice a dip in mood, energy, and motivation. For some, this seasonal shift develops into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that typically appears during fall and winter. While SAD can feel isolating, it’s more common than many realize—and there are gentle, practical ways to cope and feel more like yourself again.
One of the most effective tools for managing SAD is light exposure. Reduced sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock and affect serotonin levels, which influence mood. Spending time outdoors during daylight hours—even on cloudy days—can help. Many people also benefit from light therapy boxes, which mimic natural sunlight and are often used for short daily sessions in the morning.
Movement is another powerful mood booster. You don’t need intense workouts to see benefits; a daily walk, stretching, yoga, or light strength exercises can increase energy and improve sleep. Physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally lift mood and reduce stress. Pairing movement with daylight, such as walking outdoors, can be especially helpful.
Staying socially connected is equally important. When energy is low, it’s tempting to withdraw, but even brief interactions—phone calls, coffee dates, or group activities—can provide emotional warmth and perspective. Joining a class, book club, or walking group can create routine and connection during the darker months.
Nutrition also plays a role. Eating regular, balanced meals helps stabilize blood sugar and energy levels. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and complex carbohydrates may support mood. Some people discuss vitamin D supplements with their healthcare provider, especially in regions with limited winter sunlight.
Creating a cozy, supportive environment can make a big difference. Brightening your home with lamps, candles, and lighter colors can counteract winter gloom. Establishing simple daily routines—morning tea, journaling, or evening relaxation rituals—adds structure and comfort to shorter days.
Finally, it’s important to acknowledge when extra support is needed. If symptoms feel overwhelming or persist, speaking with a healthcare provider or mental health professional can open the door to effective treatments and reassurance. SAD is not a personal failing—it’s a seasonal challenge, and help is available.
With awareness, small adjustments, and self-compassion, winter can become more manageable—and even restful—rather than something simply to endure.
What Helps You Most During the Darker Months? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What Appeals to You Most About Slow Walking Tours?
The poll highlights a strong preference for depth over speed when it comes to travel. Deeper history and storytelling edged out the top spot, closely followed by a gentle pace that allows plenty of time to rest and enjoy the journey. Lingering at cafés and experiencing places more mindfully also ranked high, reinforcing that for many travelers, slow walking tours are less about covering distance and more about savoring each moment along the way.
TOP COMMENTS
“Definitely a combination of all of these. There just isn't anything close enough to us.”
“Actually, I like all the benefits. A relaxed pace is ideal as one ages to fully enjoy one’s travels.”
“I don’t notice when I walk alone, but when others are around, I’m left far behind. I am definitely slower.”
“All of the things listed make for an enjoyable tour.”
“The opportunity to slowly explore and learn “deeply” about the area your visiting is very enticing”
“My husband has mobility issues. We need handicap access. He uses a walker occasionally”
How to Know It’s Time to Leave a Marriage After 60 — Signs, Support, and Next Steps
Deciding to end a long-term marriage later in life can be one of the hardest choices a person ever makes, but there are clear signs that staying may no longer be healthy or fulfilling. Key indicators include abuse of any kind, chronic disrespect or lack of equality, sacrificing happiness and mental health, and a sense that nothing will change despite efforts to improve the relationship. The article also offers compassionate guidance on overcoming fears, building support networks, and preparing practically—emotionally, socially, and financially—to take the next steps toward a new chapter after 60.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Fancy free
Meaning: Fancy-free means being carefree, lighthearted, and unburdened by responsibilities or emotional ties. It often describes a feeling of freedom and ease, especially after letting go of obligations or worries.
In a sentence: "Now that the house is quiet and the schedule is her own, she’s feeling fancy-free and ready to enjoy each day at her own pace."
Good News of the Day
Breakthrough Drug Reverses Knee Cartilage Loss and Could Transform Joint Care
Researchers have developed an experimental anti-aging treatment that blocks a protein linked to aging, enabling knee cartilage to regrow in older mice and reversing naturally occurring cartilage loss—a discovery that may dramatically reduce the need for knee replacement surgeries in the future. The same treatment also prevented arthritis after common knee injuries such as ACL tears, and early results show human joint tissue responds by producing new, functional cartilage when exposed to the therapy. With an oral version of the drug already in clinical trials aimed at age-related muscle weakness, scientists hope this approach could one day offer a non-surgical option to heal damaged joints and improve mobility for millions.
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