Do you feel down, blue or downright depressed in the winter? Feelings of fatigue, craving comfort foods or malaise are not your imagination. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects billions of people around the globe. Those who live in climates where there is not a lot of sun for several months out of the year are particularly affected. 

Although your friends and family may playfully refer to your despondent mood as a “case of the winter blues,” for you it doesn’t feel light-hearted at all. In fact, SAD is a serious condition that can lead to disruption in your daily life or even thoughts of self-harm. If you suffer from SAD, don’t hesitate to use one or more of these three natural strategies to beat winter blues.

Causes of SAD

Researchers believe that the main cause of SAD is the lack of available sunshine in winter months. Your body makes vitamin D as part of a process that is initiated by the sun’s rays. Although overexposure to the sun can be harmful, you do need a certain amount of sunlight so that your body can produce sufficient vitamin D. Otherwise, your mood and other bodily processes are negatively impacted, leading to seasonal affective disorder.

1. Work Under Full Spectrum Light

As the name implies, full spectrum light bulbs emit the full spectrum of light. Full spectrum light bulbs are the closest equivalent of the sun’s natural rays. Since the sun is in short supply in winter, working under this kind of light can help keep SAD symptoms at bay. Depending on where you work, you may need to invest in a desktop lamp that will accommodate a full-spectrum bulb.

2. Supplement with D3

For the best winter health care against the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, supplement with vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 gives your body the nutrients it needs to improve your mood. When combined with Omega-3, there is even more brain and cognitive function support, which helps to elevate mood and maintain normal temperament, even in winter.

3. Interact with Others

When you’re in the doldrums, your first instinct may be to isolate yourself. But it’s more important than ever to engage with family and loved ones. Interact with others in your favorite activities, such as sports, card games, or a simple chat over a cup of tea.
SAD symptoms can be severe, but these three natural strategies can be very helpful. For more help and information about supplements that can help against the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, please contact AOR today.

Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash