Let's face it. Winter in Toronto is one of the dreariest times of the year. Short days, freezing temperatures, and cloudy gray skies can make some of us get depressed - so depressed, in fact, that we've coined the term "winter blues" for our condition. When it is severe, the winter blues is a clinically diagnosable condition that is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Although it is possible to experience SAD during any season, it typically happens in the winter. It is characterized by lethargy, depression, drowsiness, and weight gain, making sufferers short-tempered. Basically, all you want to do is sleep all the time or lounge around in bed. Researchers have found that the onset of SAD is related to the amount of light exposure we get. In the winter when natural sunlight is at its bare minimum, and hindered by thick clouds and short days on top of that, SAD is a common condition that can only be remedied by getting more light exposure. This may sound difficult, but improving the lighting in your condo can help a great deal.

Beat the winter blues by switching the lightbulbs in your condo with high intensity bulbs that are full spectrum. These brighter bulbs will help brighten up the place, and you. You can even try decorating your condo with light-based ornaments, such as recessed lights or suncatchers hung near a light source.

To help you get out of bed on those particularly dreary days, try using a light on a timer. When you're going to wake up, have a full spectrum light come on dimly shortly before you wake up, then gradually increase the brightness until it's time to get out of bed. Because it's easier to wake up when it's bright, this is to mimic a sunrise.

Don't get caught with the winter blues this year. A few simple changes to your condo lighting can help.