Seasonal Affective Disorder: how to beat those winter blues!

Winter is upon us again. The nights are longer and as the temperature drops outside, so can our mood. We tend to stay in bed longer, hibernating at home more often and feeding ourselves with more decadent food. Many people call this the "Winter Blues" but scientists know it as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it can affect thousands of people each year.

But there are low-carbon ways we can lift our spirits and get ourselves through those cold days and nights.

Vitamin Nature + D

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Also known as getting outdoors in the sun! Exposure to sunlight for up to 30 mins a day helps boost the serotonin and norepherine levels in our brains, lifting our mood, sharpening our focus and reducing stress. Plus it also gives us our daily dose of Vitamin D, essential for our bones, muscles and overall health.

Exercise

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Exercising during winter assists in boosting your metabolism and maintaining your weight. It also helps release all those feel good chemicals like seratonin, dopamine and norepherine plus boosts Vitamin D. Exercise also helps our bodies stay healthy and ready to fight off any winter bugs that come along.

Self Care

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Winter not only takes a toll on our minds but also our physical bodies. Our hair and skin cops a beating from the cold wind and tends to dry out. Invest in yummy moisturisers filled with natural ingredients for both your hair and skin to put the hydration back in. Alternatively you can make your own moisturising products like this coconut lemon lip balm or these lotion bars.

Maintaining your water intake also helps despite the temptation to increase our intake of warm drinks like coffee, tea etc. You can read our tips on staying hydrated during winter here.

And when it comes to fueling our bodies, resist the urge to cram in the processed carbs which can reduce energy levels and leave us feeling flat. Instead up your fruit and vegetable intake especially those rich in B vitamins which will aid in boosting your mood. Tuck into those which boost the immune system and provide a stable amount of energy as well.

Treat Yourself

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We sometimes forget to "stop and smell the roses" with our busy lives so now's the time to make a list of things which make you happy and relaxed. And of course, the best ones are always low cost or free such as making an effort to catch up with friends, fill your home with the smell of delicious baking, pump up the volume and dance around, have a movie marathon or read that ever increasing stack of books.

Here's a few more ways to help lift yours and others spirits during winter:

• Get out and about! There are always events on during winter, so grab your friends and have some fun
• Wear colours. Just because its winter doesn't mean we can't brighten our day with a great scarf or jacket.
• Turn up the tunes! Listening to upbeat tracks helps us to feel more happy. Team it up with exercise for a double hit of good vibes.
• Volunteering. Helping others can give you a dose of good feelings , good karma and satisfaction while making a difference.
• Organise a get together with friends and do things like a close swapping night, pot luck dinner or games night.
• Get crafty. When is there a better time to bake, knit, sew, draw when the weather is not so great?

Most importantly, if you feel the low mood is sticking around for a long period and interfering with everyday life, please seek professional help from your GP. Everyone deserves to be well and happy.

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