Don’t be SAD
Don’t let SAD (seasonal affective disorder) take over this season. As the days become colder and darker, we tend to sleep longer, crave carbs and our mood declines. So, when your mood, motivation and energy starts to fall as fast as the thermometer, beat those winter blues with these top tips.
Keep moving
It’s cold, it’s hard to stay motivated, and activity levels drop. Dig deep (whether it’s indoors or out) and keep moving. When colds and flus start to show their face, exercise helps keep you warm and keeps your immunity and recovery levels up. Once your blood is pumping, the immune cells circulate your body much faster, helping them locate and rid infection.
Seek the sun
If an island getaway is out of the question, then get outside and soak up some natural daylight. While boosting your vitamin D, a daily dose of sunlight keeps your immune system strong. Failing that, focus on eating D-rich foods such as fortified milk, juice, and cereal; fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel; and cheese or egg yolks. Lastly, you could consider taking a D2 or D3 supplement.
Eat healthy
Surviving winter is all about keeping our immune system up so fight those carb cravings, and the greasy, filling foods that slow you down and opt for lots of fruit, vegetables and nuts instead. These are high in protein, will help you stay immune towards winter illnesses and convert to usable energy. And remember, chicken soup isn’t just for the soul. Soups are a terrific way to sneak in heaps of vegetables, warming you up at the same time.
Feel good
When you focus too much on physical health, often your emotional health gets neglected. The happier you feel, the healthier you’ll be – so get the beauty therapy, get your hair done, and take some time to pamper yourself. A massage is a particularly great way to reduce stress, relax and feel good. They’re not just a treat anymore, they also improve immune functions and energy levels.
Top up
Sometimes we need a little help and that’s where winter supplements step in to support these tips;
- Omega 3 Fish Oil; amongst many of its benefits, this can help tackle winter depression.
- St John’s Wort; this is a natural mood booster and improves mental wellbeing.
- Melatonin; a vital hormone that regulates your body’s circadian rhythm (internal clock). The lack of exposure to light during winter disrupts this rhythm – melatonin gets your rhythm and good sleep back on track.
- Vitamin B6; so many benefits! In winter, it is needed to make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which affect mood. It also helps make melatonin.