I do hope that you have all enjoyed our wonderful summer. It does seem now that autumn has arrived quite suddenly with the need to get out those jumpers after what has seemed like a very long time without them.
Some people find this time of year quite difficult, with the days getting shorter and the temperature dropping. The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is quite common now with many finding that they suffer from symptoms of depression, lack of energy and a need to eat stodgy comfort foods with these distressing symptoms only passing when spring arrives.
There are a number of things that you can do if you feel that you are suffering from SAD. It is, of course very important to see your doctor if you feel overwhelmed by symptoms of depression, as it may be that you need to consider a course of medication to help you initially.
But there are also lots of natural ways to beat SAD which I have listed below:
Eat a healthy diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables, lean protein and good fats found in oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and white carbs (white bread, pasta, rice)
Try to get outside every day even if the weather is not too good, just having a brisk walk round the block can really perk you up
Try taking a natural supplement like 5HTP which can lift mood, also fish oil and Vitamin B Complex can be really good
Light therapy can really help, so it may be worth investing in a light box or an alarm clock which wakes you up to natural bright daylight gradually.
Try to enjoy the nice things about winter – cosy fires, snuggling up under a blanket with a good book, hot water bottles, warming winter stews
You could also try to learn self-hypnosis or meditation, and get into the habit of spending 10 minutes a day quietly doing absolutely nothing. This can be wonderfully relaxing and also oddly energy-boosting. My clients who manage to regularly practice self-hypnosis at home find it extremely beneficial.
Keep warm and cosy,
All the best,
Wendy x
