November to March can be a difficult time of year. It’s winter/pre-spring with lots of cloudy days. The holidays have moved on, and now you’re in a bit of a funk. Seasonal depression is real, and it’s common. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a seasonally-driven mood disorder that affects over 3 million people a year. SAD can be triggered by the reduced level of sunlight which disrupts your biological clock. As a result of less sunlight, your serotonin and melatonin levels—which affect sleep and mood patterns—drop.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Sadness
• Loss of interest
• Anxiety
• Withdrawal from social settings
• Irritability
A Few Ways to Feel Better
Here are some simple changes you can make that may be helpful in the long run!
Go get Adjusted by your chiropractor!
Routine chiropractic adjustments can release endorphins within the body, increase energy and decrease irritability caused by neck and back pain. Your chiropractor can also help you with other aspects of overall health, such as nutrition, fitness, stress management and more.
Go on…get MOVING!
It’s apparent humans are less active in the winter versus the summer. Venturing outside, even when it’s cold, can help with SAD symptoms. Try incorporating activities such as stretching, working out for 30 minutes a day or going for a walk within the first two hours of waking up.
That’s right…take those Vitamins!
Vitamin D deficiency plays a role in the production of serotonin and dopamine—the “happy” chemicals. Eating foods like salmon, tuna, and mushrooms can help increase your vitamin D production. Try purchasing a vitamin D light, to increase your sunlight exposure during the gloomy winter and pre-spring months.
Oh yeh…get your social on!
Fill your social calendar with things to do and events to attend. Mix and mingle with friends and family outside of your own home. However, we understand this may be difficult. If you’re finding it a struggle to get out, don’t be hard on yourself. There are other less intense ways of being social; reaching out to a friend via text, sending messages via social media or one-on-one FaceTime calls.