Brain experts share how to treat SAD without buying a light box – Wales Online
Uniquely Combat the Winter Blues: Strategies for Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD – a Common Condition that Impacts Millions
As many as 2million people in the UK may be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of clinical depression that some experience during the winter months. It’s an incredibly common condition in northern Europe – over 26million people are thought to suffer from it. For these individuals, the long winter nights have depressing effects that the NHS suggests can even be addressed by a vitamin D supplement.
Brainworks Neurotherapy Tips for Overcoming Winter Blues
When it comes to tackling SAD, Brainworks Neurotherapy suggests it’s best to take a holistic approach to your health, such as through simple lifestyle changes that address mood, sleep, and physical health. Although the symptoms of SAD can be intense, there are things you can do to help.
Strategic Sunlight Exposure: Find a Way to Get the Light You Need
Even when the weather outside is bleak, make a point of going outside for 10-15 minutes each day geared towards connecting with natural light. Morning exposure should be done while facing east, while evening means facing west. By taking advantage of natural light in this way, vital hormones like serotonin, melatonin, and cortisol can be regulated more successfully. And, you don’t have to have a sunny climate to benefit, as the light will still penetrate through clouds as well.
Grounding: Connect with the Earth’s Natural Electrical Charge
Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of letting your bare skin make contact with the natural earth in order to absorb its electrical charge. This is a form of health and wellness, as modern lifestyles lack direct contact with the Earth due to a reliance on rubber-soled shoes and non-conductive materials. Research suggests it can be effective in reducing inflammation, alleviating stress, and promoting restful sleep. All that is required is 20 minutes of contact with grass, sand, or mud each day.
Bedtime Retreat: Set a Fixed Bedtime Every Night
You can take advantage of the power of repetition by going to bed at the same time every night. This stability creates happiness-supporting hormonal regulations, as well as provides a better-quality sleep. Sure, it’s tempting to stay plugged in late, but you’ll be better off in the long run if you disconnect and close your eyes when the clock strikes your fixed bedtime.
Connecting with Others: Find Community Through Social Interactions
It’s completely natural to want to isolate yourself when you have SAD symptoms, but the professionals at Brainworks Neurotherapy suggest the opposite; connect with those around you, be it friends, family, or support groups. This is more than just a way to combat loneliness; when you share your struggles with others, it reminds you that you’re not facing them alone.
Combat Winter Blues Once and For All with These Strategies
If you find yourself struggling with the winter blues, take solace in the fact that there are strategies out there for managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Make sure you get your daily dose of light therapy, practice grounding, set a bedtime and stick to it, and never forget the power of connection in relieving some of the most common SAD symptoms.
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