Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately known as SAD, affects over 14 million Americans each year during the cold and dark winter season.

Winter blues that result from Seasonal Affective Disorder have many times been treated with light therapy, which is exposure for about an hour a day to a special light.

Recently there has been research into the possibility that cognitive behavior therapy could me more effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder.

When light therapy participants were given added tools to help them counter negative thoughts about the winter and avoid social isolation and other behaviors that can lead to depression, they did better.

However, the most interesting therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder that sufferers can try when winter comes is one that people who live in almost perpetual winter use to keep from becoming depressed.

A reason to try therapy over lamps for seasonal depression https://t.co/yKdgG0iIKh pic.twitter.com/UFpe5f8gwe

— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) November 5, 2015

It’s called embracing it and getting over it.

Ok, not really. It’s called koselig, which is a Norwegian word that loosely translates to “a sense of coziness.”

How I deal with seasonal depression https://t.co/OR3Ixdj8ha pic.twitter.com/BgqtY4pYhc

— Gawker (@Gawker) November 3, 2015

But the gist remains embracing winter and getting over it before Seasonal Affective Disorder can get you down.

Get excited about sweaters, tasty hot beverages and cuddling.

Also, give your winter existence a purpose!

So excited for winter! pitch black at 5pm family you dont like seasonal depression disorder that gross snow on the side of the road

— Joe Cowchi (@SuperJ_19) November 3, 2015

One tip out there is to force your exercise routine. It’s too cold to exercise outdoors, but a sedentary lifestyle can sometimes lead to feelings of uselessness and depression.

So, find a good indoor routine, make a point to visit the gym or even take up yoga. You can get a decent workout and yoga intrinsically helps boost your mood.

Another is to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder with a winter to-do list. You could include some things that you would like to do outside in the snow, like build an igloo. Or, you could list things you’d like to get done around the house.

Having goals and checking things off the list just might go a long way to combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What are some tips you might have for fighting off the winter blues?