SAD ‘can be reduced with exercise and healthy foods’

Eating healthily and continuing with weight loss regimes – or starting one up – could be the best way to beat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to one expert.

Dr Pam Spurr, a behaviour expert, said in an article for the Sun that it is important to get outside as often as possible in autumn and winter as this allows the body to absorb natural light.

"Exercise stimulates endorphins – the feelgood chemicals that combat low mood. If you can, join an exercise or dance class. It may be tough at the beginning but the payoffs are huge," she advised.

Consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and plenty of "good mood foods" like porridge, oily fish and turkey could also keep symptoms of the disorder at bay, Dr Spurr commented.

Mind states that SAD affects up to one-third of Britons and most commonly develops between the ages of 18 and 30.

Do you struggle with the winter blues?