Are you tired during the winter months or suffer from the winter blues? Does your motivation and energy disappear when the sun does? You could be suffering from Seasonal affective disorder but don’t worry, following these strategies will help you feel better and maybe love winter.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. It could start in the fall and continue throughout the winter, and can be caused by the lack of Vitamin D which is our sunshine Vitamin. Some people are more prone to this condition than others depending on biological factors and it usually affects woman; however, it can also affect men and adolescents.
On the other hand, we need to be careful with this condition as it can lead to major depression or even suicide thoughts if not treated properly.
What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD is a form of depression that comes and goes depending on the season. Symptoms include: insomnia or excessive sleep habits, poor appetite accompanied by weight loss or increased appetite accompanied by weight gain, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities and diminished ability to think or concentrate.
Here are 4 Helpful tips to Beat Seasonal Depression:
1. Exercise
Exercise is a natural way to boost your immune system and mood. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which is a chemical that interacts with the receptors of your brain to trigger a happy feeling response.
2. Add Vitamin D to your diet
Vitamin D deficiency has long been associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as well as more chronic depression. It can be produced in our bodies by the action of sunlight on the skin. However, it is hard to find sun exposure during the winter months so you probably have to look for some natural sources of Vitamin D such as cod-liver oil, wild – caught salmon and egg yolks.
3. Enjoy whole foods.
We are not talking about the grocery store – we are talking about real food. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is vey high in omega 6 which can be inflammatory if consumed in excess, sodium, sugar, additives and preservatives that are going to use more of your body’s supplies in order to digest and detoxify. Your body is trying to do its normal functions so support it by eating a diet rich in whole foods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, lean meats and complex carbohydrates.
4. Sleep well
Our body is naturally design to sleep earlier during winter months. Try to go to bed before 10:00 pm and avoid looking at your phone or computer as it interferes with melatonin production – The hormone that controls your sleep. The deepest and most regenerative sleep occurs between 10p.m. - 2 a.m and it is the time when your body heals.
Reference:
1. Mayo Clinic, Seasonal Affective Disorder
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