“New research confirms why some people suffer from the winter blues while others get through the winter without any problems. A longitudinal study has found that that people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), (aka Seasonal Depression), show significant seasonal differences in the way they regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin in comparison to the majority of the population.” (Source: European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Read More… Genetics and gender can also play a part in your susceptibility to experiencing SAD.
Our Top Tips To Beat SAD:
- Keep Warm. It is very important to keep your feet, hands, head and chest warm during the cold days. This improves your circulation and also nurtures your internal organs.
- Get outdoors with friends for the sunshine and the fresh air! At midday, the sun (even if covered by cloud) is at its strongest, which helps to improve your vitamin D levels (which in turns boosts your serotonin levels to keep depression at bay). You also benefit from having a companion when heading outdoors to lighten your mood. Even your dog can be a good walking partner! It is also wise to invest in some sturdy outdoor walking shoes with Goretex and grippy soles. A light wind breaker or rain jacket, beanie and warm gloves will help protect you from the elements so you can head out in all conditions to get your blood pumping and boost your serotonin levels. Our Insta posts are evidence that nothing has stopped us from heading outdoors…yet.
- Get your vitamin D through natural food sources. Good sources of vitamin D are fatty fishes (such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel), cod-liver oil, egg yolks, mushrooms, beef liver and cheese.
- Keep blinds open when indoors to allow the natural light to filter in. Nothing beats the benefits of being outdoors, but this is the next best thing to treat your brain to some sunshine and regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Warming foods – you may not feel motivated to cook on a cold miserable day. When you do cook, make lots of veggie packed soups with chicken broth and freeze so you always have it at hand. Bake up trays of root vegetables, such as vitamin C rich sweet potatoes and pumpkin, as they are great to blend into soups, add to stews, spread on toast, mix through risottos, turn into dips. We have some great recipes for you to choose from.
- Stay hydrated. Tepid water is best as cold water shocks your internal organs. Don’t forget there are so many beautiful herbal teas to choose from, too. Our favourite is Tea Tonic’s GLEW tea with ginger, lemongrass, echinacea and white tea.
- Fresh flowers help to brighten your room and your mood. The fragrance is also so subtle and beautiful. See a list of seasonal blooms here
- Meditation helps with feelings of anxiety and fatigue. Try our One Minute Breath technique to help you through the day.
- Watch a funny movie. A recent study from the University of Montreal has revealed that bursts of laughter can improve your serotonin levels. We love Blades of Glory for a laugh out loud winter themed movie.
- Massage has been shown to improve your levels of serotonin. Here is a guide to some simple self massage techniques.