As the days get shorter and the colder winter months loom ahead, many people begin to feel slower and even a bit blue. Others just feel like hibernating until spring. Changes in seasons and less hours of daylight actually affect the dopamine levels in the brain, causing millions of people to settle into a sort of winter-time depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. It’s a real problem for many people, but there are ways to beat the blues that come with the colder, shorter months of the year.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Less daylight actually causes a change in the body. There is a decrease in neurotransmitters , which are the brain chemicals that transmit signals and information throughout the brain and body. They affect everything from your heartbeat to your digestion and gut health, and when these messengers decrease, our bodies tend to slow down and get sluggish. SAD leads to lower levels of the important neurotransmitters called dopamine, which can lead to fatigue, mood swings and depression and lack of motivation. A decrease in vitamin D is also a culprit in how we feel during the winter months. With less sunlight and outdoor activity, our natural levels of vitamin D fall, exacerbating those feelings of fatigue.
Don’t Be SAD, 7 Tips for Beating the Seasonal Blues
- At Shakthi Health & Wellness Center, we have a test that determines the levels of neurotransmitters in the system to measure whether dopamine and serotonin levels have dropped. When these chemicals are low, bringing them back to normal levels plays a big role in restoring energy and elevating mood.
- Acupuncture can be effective at elevating mood, relaxing the mind and alleviating seasonal depression.
- Spending time in Shakthi’s infrared sauna is great way to stay warm and lower stress levels, which can also help elevate mood.
- Mood lamps are great over-the-counter tools that mimic the effects of natural sunlight on the body. Using the lamp for just 30 minutes each day during the fall and winter months can elevate your mood and keep the winter blues at bay. Make sure not to look directly at the light to protect your eyes.
- Keep up with an exercise regimen to naturally elevate the neurotransmitters. Exercise naturally elevates your mood, helps fight fatigue, increases your energy and just makes you feel revitalized.
- Take vitamin D supplements if your levels are low to maintain energy levels and metabolism. If weather permits, get outside for a walk during the day to give your body a dose of natural vitamin D courtesy of the sun.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is vital to all functions of the body. Make sure to get enough sleep to ward off low energy and chronic fatigue throughout the day.
Shakthi can help restore your energy and combat the affective of seasonal depression. Call us today to find out more about how we can help you feel like your best self all year.
Call us today 301-703-5067.