You don’t need a meteorologist to explain this dreary winter in Upstate New York.

The onset of snowier than normal conditions and cooler temperatures means less sunlight in our lives.

Take for example a Monday in January. Pull back the curtains of your bedroom window and blustery snowy conditions greet you. You think to yourself jumping the hurdle of getting out of bed won’t happen today. Hello sleeping all day.

Wednesday rolls around, more snow, and your daily routine turns boring. Who cares about Bob’s birthday at the office, how Stephanie bought a new purse or the sporting event you wanted to attend tonight. Good bye normal gym routine, hello couch and potato chips.

By Friday, the tears roll down your face as fast as the snowflakes fall. You’re fat, craving carbs and irritable. No, it can’t be that time of the month and no you’re not depressed.

Consider Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Also known as winter depression, lack of sunlight from mornings starting later and evenings beginning earlier brings depression-like symptoms.

But what’s the cure for SAD?

As spring break approaches and lack of budget restricts some from purchasing a ticket to visit the sunshine, I suggest a few home remedies for resisting hibernation.

1. One week of tanning for $9.99

Lather on that lotion and overlook the risks for a week. Your body and mind need regular exposure to moderate levels of sunlight to promote good health through the healthy production of vitamin D in the body. Make sure however the tanning salon bed emits UVB.

At least you can fake that you went on vacation.

2. Pool time!

Who says you can’t wear your bathing suit in the bathtub? Make your own beach and stir up one of these 3,000 cocktails. Then find some sunglasses and turn up those favorite country hits.

3. Sweat it out

Bikini season may be here for some, but you still have time to work on your body so you can look like a 10 come summer. Walk or jog outside on sunny days. The benefits from exercise are endless.

4. Time for a barbeque

Remember how food makes us happy by linking us to happier times? Why not cook hot dogs, hamburgers, barbeque chicken and create ice cream sundaes for dessert? Just because winter’s here doesn’t mean the grocery store doesn’t carry these items.

Create a routine for yourself for a better sense of well-being and have some fun doing these things because there is hope.

Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring and with that SAD symptoms will dissipate, so hang in there.

Photo by Kristie Schiefer

Remember when I was lucky enough to go to Disney World last February?