Rachel Salas, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
For both my patients and myself, getting sunlight and exercise consistently are key!
Our circadian rhythm can be greatly affected this time of year, so maintaining a consistent sleep wake schedule with a set bedtime and awakening time are important.
Additionally, getting sunlight (or lightbox therapy) upon awakening can be very helpful.
Michael Crocetti, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Keep up with your regular sleep and exercise routine!
Your schedule can get thrown off, so it’s important to schedule time to exercise and find a workout buddy.
Sleep is critical. Wind down at night with leisurely reading and limit your screen time.
What do you think?
Do you want to add to the conversation? Please share!
Laura Hanyok, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
I help my patients plan how to adjust their physical activity plans. For patients who exercise outside, I try to help them plan alternatives for the colder and darker months so that they can still be physically active.
Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
For me as a lung doctor, these upcoming days raise concern over the spread of upper respiratory infections. I try to find a balance between encouraging patients to continue to be social with family and friends, but to be mindful if they have an active infection.
I encourage family and friends to come to my patients’ appointments with them, so that everyone is aware of the concern about respiratory infections.
Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
I share with patients my own struggles with shorter days as it becomes impossible to exercise outdoors in daylight. Seasonal affective disorder impacts most people and I try to make an extra effort to exercise indoors and find ways to have fun on the weekend.
