The Top 5 Secret Ways to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder S.A.D.
The Top 5 Secret Ways To Cope With S.A.D.
As the fall leaves begin to drop, and the chillier weather begins to dance goosebumps on our skin, many of us begin to decline in mood as Seasonal Affective Disorder sneaks in that window you forgot to close. In the east, it is believed that winter is the yin time of the year. It is a
time to go inward and reflect, a time to nurture oneself and to be creative. So daun your cap, scarf and socks because here are some of the best ways that you and your friends can beat S.A.D.
Try to get 20 minutes of sunlight to convert your vitamin D
Most of us know that Vitamin D needs sunlight on your skin in order to convert, but did you know mushrooms work the same way?! You can actually leave your mushrooms out in the window seal for 20 minutes in the sun and they will convert their vitamin D. Add a little balsamic vinegar and soy sauce for a great meaty flavor. For those of you who don’t like the taste of mushrooms, you can get dried shiitakes online or at any asian grocery store, grind them in your blender and add a tablespoon to any soup or stir fry with very little detection.
Take a digestive bitter
Vitamin D is absorbed through the small intestine, which cannot work effectively if you are running in your stress nervous system like caffeine, traffic, and the stresses of work and life lead us toward. The digestive tract is also where melatonin (the hormone we need for sleep) converts to serotonin (one of our main happiness hormones) so if your gut is not operating effectively, you’re more at risk for S.A.D. We sell a handmade, convenient and effective, pure herbal digestive bitter at DrRhiannon.com and many liquid bitters can be found on Amazon.
Go out to the gym or yoga studio
Although working out inside might get the job done, looking at people’s faces and smiling when you say hello, in-person, actually creates more happy hormones. So get out of the house! Especially if you work from home. Say yes to every party invite and enjoy all of the festivities winter can bring!
Make healthy treats with agave, monk fruit and real stevia (not that white powdery stuff they add dextrose to!)
Yes! It is the most difficult during the holidays to stay away from sugar. But, sugar is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to mood. Not only does it cause mood swings but it also causes your digestive tract to start leaking in Leaky Gut Syndrome and builds up the wrong kind of microbes. These microbes can then control your mood, making you crave more sugar (so that they can eat) and causing grouchiness until you give them what they want.
Eat cooked, hot food and only when you are actually hungry
While it might be tempting to have a smoothie or iced beverage while making snowmen, cold food actually causes thyroid and metabolism problems long-term. While initially, your body heats up to burn more calories, the extra effort it takes is said to deplete the digestive fire and ultimately the fire of life in eastern medicine. For those of you who want to lose weight and drink iced coffee every morning, just switching to a hot beverage will amp up your metabolism long-term! Cooked, warm foods with all of the colors of the rainbow will ensure you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need for a blissful disposition.
Whichever tips and tricks you try to beat SAD, don’t go it alone. Call a friend, family member or get in touch with a professional. Enjoy the season of giving by volunteering at a soup kitchen or taking old clothes to a homeless shelter. And, grab a box of baking cocoa, almond milk and agave and mix up some healthy hot cocoa on the stove and invite a neighbor over to get to know them better!
Dr Rhiannon Hutton is an energetic NS chiropractor, acupuncturist and qigong meditation coach specializing in helping her clients feel happy, joyful and fulfilled. You can follow her at DrRhiannon for tips and tricks to get and stay happy all year long!