As the Holiday season begins daylight savings time has passed.
The days are shorter and the nights are colder. The darkest days of Winter are right around the corner, and you may be looking for a way to combat seasonal depression.
Following these strategies will help you feel better and give you a sense of control during the winter months.
Some Helpful Tips for Seasonal Depression
Vitamin D
The most important nutritional strategy is Vitamin D. I prefer a food source for your Vitamin D at 5,000 UIs per day. This is the best way to compensate for the lack of sunlight that is naturally provided by the sun during the winter months.
Vitamin D can help to register your mood and may prevent colds and flu as well.
Full Spectrum Lights
Full spectrum light bulbs are prized in the Nordic world for their ability to mimic natural sun light. They are also popular in other places in the world such as Alaska where there is little or no sunlight throughout the winter months.
Whenever possible it is important to get outside for at least an hour per day to breathe fresh air and cleanse your lungs of all the impurities that exist indoors.
Breathing Exercises
Another great strategy is breathing exercises.
Like all exercises following a consistent schedule will help to reduce your stress and anxiety. Breathing should be slow and deep, with no more than 8 breaths per minute.
To improve indoor air quality there are few other plants that perform as well (or better) as “typical” indoor plants. Some of my favorites are much more effective as well, such as Palms, Bonsai, and bamboo.
If you are suffering from dry skin as a result of cold dry weather, nothing will help improve your skin as much as jojoba oil. Jojoba is a pure source of Vitamin E, and is closer to the oils in your skin than any other oil on the market.
Chocolate
During the winter we all need a little lift to our mood, and it is my belief that nothing will help more than chocolate.
A great recipe starts with 8 ounces of rice or Almond milk then add two teaspoons of Coco “no sugar added” and a half of a teaspoon of stevia. Then heat until steaming.
This drink is full of protein, fiber, and more.
It is the prefect remedy for a cold, dark, snowy winter day.
Environmental Factors
There is no question that there are many factors that are outside of our control when it comes to winter, especially environmental factors such as snowfall and colder temperatures.
However, by implementing some (or all) of these strategies they can help make a long Winter feel a little bit shorter for you.