Shorter Days Less Sunshine and feeling so SAD … Oh What to do!

Life naturally slows down in winter. The days grow shorter, light becomes scarce, and we plant ourselves in front of the television or hide under the covers to stay warm. But how do you know when a seasonal slump is a more serious problem?

SAD

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include:

• Oversleeping

• Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates

• Weight gain

• Tiredness or low energy

The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown. Some factors that may come into play include:

• Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body's internal clock and lead to feeling like that black cloud is hovering above your head.

SAD

• Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger the blues..

• Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.

There are lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms and lift your mood. You might try going outside more often, getting plenty of sunlight, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting plenty of sleep, and practicing relaxation exercises.

The Mayo Clinic suggests Light Therapy for helping the winter blues.

Health and Healing Homeopathy can match remedies and dosages in order to best stimulate the body’s own natural healing response.

Planning a healthier lifestyle is never a bad idea. But don’t beat yourself up if your symptoms don’t improve right away. Don’t brush them off and simply hunker down until spring.

Asking for help is a sign of strength and movement towards a better version of yourself. Consider contacting Meghan Manzo, Homeopath, to discuss natural methods of lifting that black cloud so you can start managing and live a healthier life in every season.

Let the sunshine in

Call Now: 905 906 8009 or

email Meghan at info@healthandhealinghomeopathy.com

Visit the website to learn more about Homeopathy

References:

Will Norway Ever Beat the Winter Blues