Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or commonly know as Winter Depression affects almost 1 in 15 people in the UK (Mental Health Foundation) with almost 40% – 60% being women. With less sunlight in the winter months the production of both serotonin and melatonin, the happy hormones decrease. Also our body’s natural clock (circadian rhythm) that is dependent on light to wake and sleep gets disturbed causing an imbalance of all doshas. This is why so many rich people fly away to sunnier climes during the winter period and return when the summer arrives however this is not possible for us mere mortals! So how do we cope? Here are a few tips to stay happy and enjoy the winter months:
- Use light therapy – if you cannot afford a sun box then either sit near a fire place or light candles around you. Be careful though these are not left unattended or around young children.
- Do yoga, tai chi, pilates or if you are not into this then visit the gym, walk briskly – do something physical.
- Don’t stay indoors all the time. Wrap up warm and enjoy the outdoors.
- Give yourself a vigorous self massage daily before your shower – this stimulates and balances all the dosas. If you are unsure how this is done then come to our Centre to learn.
- Eat cardamom in some form – cardamom tea is great for calming the nerves.
- Increase the intake of turmeric – great herb for helping balance the adverse affect of seasonal changes.
- Enjoy sex – it keeps you warm and full of love and joy.
- Socialise – meet friends and family more often then you would normally do.
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