For the people of Greater Lansing, the end of autumn marks the end of the football season, concerts in the park and many other outdoor activities. This also marks the beginning of some new things: basketball seasons, holiday activities and seasonal outdoor activities-such as sledding and ice skating.

However, as these end and begin, the days will get shorter and shorter—darkness comes earlier—which usually leads to seasonal depressions.

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) can be experienced at different levels. Some people begin to lose interest in activities they were once interested in; others notice changes in sleep patterns; some people may feel hopeless.

"In general, those with SAD may want to prepare in advance," Dr. Seema Bonney, founder and functional medicine physician of the Philadelphia Anti-Aging and Longevity Center, said in a recent USA Today article.

"Plan to carry out mood-enhancing activities in the winter-join a club, sign up for regular activities, volunteer service, develop good exercise habits and take a walk with friends."

Here are five simple things to help people in Greater Lansing cope with seasonal depression this year:

According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression may sometimes be related to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can be obtained through a balanced diet or through sun exposure. Going out more may mean simple walks nearby every day, driving to one of the parks in the Greater Lansing area, or more planned to enjoy activities on the paved walking trails, fitness equipment and playgrounds.

To find a city or county park near you, visit InghamCounty.org, EatonCounty.org, or LansingMI.org/524/Parks.

Related: Outdoor activities you can do in Greater Lansing in winter

Joining a club or volunteer group is another good way to fight seasonal depression. Greater Lansing offers various opportunities for all different interests. Getting together with people with common interests can be therapeutic and fun at the same time.

Scan 517 life community Facebook groups to find many regional groups. To find a religious group to join, please consult the Greater Lansing Inter-religious Clergy Association. If you are not sure where to start, follow Serve Lansing and pay attention to the regular call for action.

Related: Assistant Dean, alumnus who volunteered in the Michigan State University cafeteria this fall

Well, guys, it might be time to finally get a gym membership. The act of exercising, actually any physical exercise, can produce endorphins... Literally, it feels very interesting.

Although there are many ways to exercise and exercise in the cold months, many residents still want to keep them indoors. For this reason, here are some stadiums in Greater Lansing:

Related: No more boring! Looking for the best sledding spot in Greater Lansing

According to experts, a slight change in diet during the new season can also help combat SAD. It is good to eat tryptophan-rich foods at this time of the year—think Thanksgiving turkey—to help raise serotonin levels and maintain the chemical balance of the brain.

Other foods rich in tryptophan include eggs, nuts, cheese, tofu, salmon and pineapple. These foods can be found in most local grocery stores, including Hollocks Market west of Lansing Shopping Center. The Allen Neighborhood Center also has a farmer’s market indoors every Wednesday from 3 to 6 pm

Read more: Construction begins on new US$11 million Allen Neighborhood Center facility

Treatment is very useful for coping with changes and finding yourself in a different emotional or energy situation. If SAD becomes uncomfortable, or you just feel overwhelmed, it is always a good idea to consult a professional. Using virtual options has never been easier!

Psychologytoday.com has a tool for users to find a therapist through insurance, location, etc. For those seeking professional help this winter, Michigan 2-1-1 is another great resource. Visit mi211.org for more information.

Sophia Lada is a news assistant for the Lansing State Daily. Contact her at slada@lsj.com or 517.377.1065. Follow her on Twitter @sophia_lada.