Are you Dealing with the Winter Blues?
Are you feeling sad? Experts say that 5-10% of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). And many more suffer from milder winter blues.
Common symptoms of SAD are low energy, social withdrawal, sadness and despair, difficulty concentrating, and cravings for high carb foods such as pasta. These symptoms are most prevalent during December and January where light is in short supply. Here are a few items to help with feeling SAD.
Lighten up by opening the curtains or take a brisk walk outside for some rays. Or you can always switch out your light bulbs to the natural light bulbs.
Fuel well by eating a balanced diet and avoid the cravings for high carb, surgary foods. Sweet and starchy foods cause your blood levels to spike and then plummet, making your cravings even more fierce. It is recommended to eat 20-30 grams of protein per meal to help boost your mood.
Supplement by taking a multi-vitamin and adding extra Vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium supporting a healthy heart and immune system. Most people report improved mood after taking Vitamin D3 supplements.
Move it by get out an exercise: walk, run, or bicycle outside if possible for extra light. Physical exercise increases the oxygen flow to the brain and diminishes the body's response to high stress.
Change it by making sure you replace your furnace filters on a regular basis to help with the air quality in your home.
Stress less by scheduling fun things to do that give you pleasure not stress. Like playing a sport, scrapbooking, reading a book, going to the movies, etc. Also, alone time helps energize the mind and body too.
Schedule sleep by keeping your body on track with your sleep patterns. Set your alarm to wake up after 8 or 9 hours. Open your curtains and wake up to the early-morning light. Good sleeping habits keep your biological rhythms steady.
Get help if you can't shake the SADness. Keep a journal so when you meet with a therapist, they can help guide you better so you can cope through these dreary long winters.
Be happy by enjoying the wintertime as much as the summertime. Don't hibernate until spring. Find fun stuff to do in the winter that will get you out of the house and on a different routine. Have fun experimenting with life.