Winter is here, the shifts in daylight are here and if you are feeling drained or you feel depressed, you could be showing classic symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a form of depression that is brought on by the changes in weather and lack of sunlight that usually happens in the winter months.
Nobody actually knows why this happens, but studies suggest it is due to a disruption of the bodies circadian rhythm. This is basically the 24-hour body clock that tells our body what to do when we are awake and when we are asleep. This is why we feel drowsy or alert and full of energy. One thing that can help before anything is a healthy balanced diet and taking your supplements.
What Are The Symptoms Of SAD?
- Feeling of depression that happens most of the day, all day, but seasonally.
- Have low energy or are always tired.
- Interests in things you used to like have gone.
- Weight gain.
- Changes in appetite.
- Sleep too much.
Here Are Some Helpful Tips Dealing With SAD:
Eat Yourself Happy
There are many foods out there that give you great amounts of energy, whether this is protein, simple carbs and vitamins with B12 or vitamin D. This is great as there is an excuse to eat carbs such as potatoes and pasta. Fruit and vegetables should be in there too though.
Work Out
Our body is one, so it makes sense that our mental health and physical health are all linked together. Keeping yourself fit and healthy has been proven to help with SAD and other mental illnesses. This doesn’t mean you have to be at the gym at 5 each morning, but an hours worth of exercise such as a walk can do you a world of good. If it is with friends or family, then even better as this helps you to socialise too.
Get All The Natural Light You Can
Due to seasonal affective disorder deriving from lack of vitamin D which can also be due to a lack of natural sunlight. It really is important to get as much sun exposure as possible in the winter months as this is what is going to give you the energy you need. Just like how a solar panel needs the sun to charge. If you are able to sit next to a window throughout the day when working or alternatively hit two birds in one and go for a walk for your exercise whilst it is sunny.
Consider Speaking To Your Doctor
Due to SAD being a form of depression, it should be diagnosed by a doctor or a mental health specialist. There is a range of different questions you will be asked to determine whether you have SAd or another illness. This is the best advice as they can help to prescribe any medication or offer you help such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. These combined can seriously improve your lifestyle and will also give you the tools you will need to tackle this each season.