Are You Bothered By Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Posted: September 14th, 2018

 
A seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that often develops during the winter months. There are a variety of symptoms that people may experience if they suffer from seasonal depression. They may oversleep and crave carbohydrates. They may also feel fatigued. The good news is that there are several ways to cope with seasonal depression. 

Use Light Therapy 

A lack of light is one of the reasons that depression is more common during the winter months. That is why light therapy is often used by people who want to beat the winter blues. In order for light therapy to be effective, you will need to expose yourself to 10,000 lux. This is 100 times stronger than the average light bulb. 

Eat Well 

A healthy diet is one of the ways to cope with the winter blues. Studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids can help fight depression. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in salmon, flaxseed, Chia seeds, and soybean. You will also need to get plenty of vitamin D. Vitamin D levels will drop during the winter time due to decreased sun exposure.  You can get vitamin D from salmon and wild mushrooms. You can also take a vitamin D supplement. 

Stay Active 

Exercise can boost your mood. It can also increase your energy. Additionally, exercise helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Exercising as little as one hour per week can counteract depression. 

Get Spa Treatments 

Spa treatments can help you fight seasonal depression. Massage therapy is one of the treatments that you can get at a day spa. Studies have shown that massage therapy can alleviate SAD symptoms. It can also help fight fatigue and promote restful sleep.  

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