Six great habits that help prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
| Hello my dear friend, Do you start to feel anxious or down when you see the leaves on the mountains start to change color, or the sunlight not as intense and warm as it was? Do you find that you have symptoms of depression that come in the Fall and go away in the Spring? If you do, you may have seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as SAD. Some symptoms of SAD include low energy, depression, or sluggishness. If you are dreading the darker days because you experience some or all of these symptoms, try these six smart techniques to help reduce the effects of limited sunlight on your mood. STEP INTO THE LIGHT Try to get outside for a walk when the sun is out. For me, that time is during lunch. Being in the sun for ten to fifteen minutes makes a difference. Also, a light box that produces at least 10,000 lumens is a great investment. I purchased one a couple of years ago and I use it in the mornings for fifteen minutes to an hour. I notice a big difference in how I feel versus the days that I don’t use it. BALANCE YOUR DIET Eating a rainbow colored diet of fruits and vegetables will boost your energy. Try not to give in to the urges to eat sugars and starchy foods. These can cause weight gain and fatigue. Save the special treats for holiday celebrations and then it will feel more like something special. GRAB A SUPPLEMENT There is a connection of lack of or low levels of Vitamin D and SAD. Get your Vitamin D. SWEAT IT OUT Exercise produces endorphins. Thirty minutes of exercise at least five days a week has been found to reduce the effects of SAD. BECOME MORE SOCIAL Yes, today being social is extremely limited in person, but you can still talk on the phone, have a zoom call, or even texting counts for making a connection with another human. Having some sort of conversation can improve your outlook when you are struggling with SAD. KNOW WHEN YOU NEED TO GET HELP If your symptoms feel like they are getting out of control, despite your best efforts, it is time to talk to your health care provider. There are several natural ways to help with SAD and it is ok if you need to be put on an antidepressant too. Take care of yourself and your needs before you are in a place where you cannot. Thank you Barbara Christain for this wonderful information. May you have the best winter possible! Much love and gratitude!Janalee |