Between Daylight Savings, cooler winter weather and not to mention a global pandemic, you may be feeling a little, well, down in the dumps. And if you‚re already amongst the
estimated 10 million Americans who suffer from seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), when you add Covid-19 into the mix this year may be extra challenging.
This week on the Vibrant Health blog, we‚re discussing five research-backed ways to cope with the winter blues and depression this season.
-
-
- Consider Supplementing with Vitamin D
- Get Your Beauty Sleep
- Connect with Your Social Circle
- Move Your Body
- Seek Out Support from a Professional
- Consider Supplementing with Vitamin D
Vitamin D isn‚t called the ‚sunshine vitamin‚ for no reason. While its main source comes from natural sunlight, it also can make your mood brighter too. Win, win!
In fact, studies have shown
low levels of vitamin D are correlated with depression ‚ particularly in older adults. And if you live in New England, you may be
more likely to not get enough of the good stuff: that is, vitamin D.
Speak with your doctor to order a lab test for you to get a baseline of where your levels are at, then supplement as needed. Just know: not all supplements are created equally. You‚ll want to choose a quality
vitamin D3 supplement like this one from Vibrant Health.
- Get Your Beauty Sleep
Are you getting your beauty sleep? If you needed yet another reason to get your Zzz‚s,
studies have linked sleep deprivation with depression.
Be sure to prioritize your sleep throughout the winter months ‚ winding down by limiting technology and unplugging a couple hours before bed. You may also want to try incorporating calming tools such as lavender essential oil or your favorite cup of herbal tea.
- Connect with Your Social Circle
The verdict is in: humans naturally crave social connection ‚ and it may even
improve our health and longevity to boot. That‚s why it‚s more important now than ever to stay in touch with your social circle.
Check in with your loved ones (even if it has to be a phone call or Zoom date) and don‚t be afraid to open up about your feelings. Studies show that
having adequate social support is key for physical andmental health, and may even help reduce stress. So if you find yourself feeling blue, be sure to make time for your friends and family!
- Move Your Body
While studies on the effects of exercise as a treatment for depression are still up for debate,
research shows that developing an exercise routine may help alleviate symptoms and enhance mood. What‚s more, reviews acknowledge exercise as a
viable alternative treatment option for those suffering from depression (even if its in conjunction with other methods like medication).
When beginning a new routine, start small with a brisk walk or gentle yoga class and do what feels good for
youand your body. If you can get outside for some fresh air, that‚s even better!
- Seek Out Support from a Professional
Now is not the time to keep to yourself, especially if you‚re already having a tough time dealing with the pandemic. When in doubt, seek out support from a medical professional or reputable therapist ‚ who can discuss your unique situation and come up with a game plan for you! The good news is there are plenty of telehealth options these days if you‚re not comfortable meeting in person.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.
