3 Ways Having SAD Affects Your Finances 

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SAD — these three little letters can have a profound impact on your mood and your finances, too. 

Standing for Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD is a disorder that causes depression during the winter months. Scientists from Johns Hopkins Medicine say it’s because the season has shorter days and less sunlight, which can disrupt the fine balance of chemicals in your brain. 

It can be hard to stay on top of things when you aren’t feeling your best. Your finances can be one of those things. Here’s why:

1.You Spend More

Your mental health and shopping basket are linked. Depression and other negative feelings can make you spend more. 

When you’re depressed, your brain is making less dopamine, so you may chase this chemical thrill by other means, like a new face serum or gaming subscription you don’t need. 

It’s called retail therapy by some and comfort buying by others. But no matter what term you use, it can have long-term effects on your finances. 

2. You Aren’t Prepared for Emergencies

Realizing you have to repair headlights the same week your furnace stops working and you chip a tooth can be challenging for anyone. But it’s a lot harder if you have SAD.

For one thing, you’re already feeling blue without these added hardships causing anxiety. But for another, you may not have the savings or credit cards to cover these expenses if you comfort buy too often.

If you need help with an emergency repair or medical expense, take some time to research online loans. A financial institution such as MoneyKey makes it easy to compare installment loans and lines of credit online when you need money now.  

3. You’re Less Motivated

Another problem caused by SAD is that this depression zaps your energy levels. You may lack the motivation to manage your finances wisely or take proactive steps to improve your situation. 

Worse yet, you may struggle with the basics, like paying your utilities and online loans on time. Mistakes like this can be expensive, as most creditors apply late fees and added interest when you’re late. Late payments could even damage your credit. 

How to Stop SAD from Ruining Your Finances

Bad finances aren’t a guarantee when you suffer from SAD, it just increases your risks of running into trouble. You can reduce the chances you struggle with impulse buying and online loans when you follow these mental wellness tips:

  • Improve your sleep hygiene: SAD causes brain changes that may interfere with your sleep schedule. Don’t make it any worse by staying up too late on your phone. Make your bedroom a digital-free sanctuary, set to between 60 and 67 degrees. 
  • Eat a balanced diet: Without a lot of sun exposure, you could be lacking critical vitamin D. You can replenish these levels by eating fortified cereals, dairy (or fortified alternatives), and fish. 
  • Talk to your doctor: You should talk to a healthcare professional any time your mental health suffers. They can put you in touch with a counsellor or psychologist who can help you work through the wintertime blues. 
  • Speak to a financial counsellor: If you’re struggling with comfort shopping and online loan debt, reach out to a debt counsellor. They can provide proven strategies to get your budget back on track. 

These tips come just in the nick of time. Follow them to keep your SAD symptoms at bay and improve your finances.