Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, occurs when the cold weather begins. For some, it may start in late Autumn, but more commonly occurs during the winter months.
Why do I experience SAD?
As the days are shorter and the hours of darkness are longer, this can trigger irritability, moodiness and depression in many people facing these changes in light and temperature. However, this is not all caused by mental illness or dis-orders, rather, these symptoms may be felt due to nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, there are supplements that can help decrease the symptoms of SAD and leave you feeling happier (pun intended).
For the sake of this article, I will only be covering 2 types of supplements here, any others or any more than these 2 commonly used supplements for SAD should be recommended by a professional in person, specific to your needs.
What supplements to take for SAD?
1. Vitamin D: It is no surprise that my first recommendation is known as The Sunshine Vitamin! Since the winter months are darker and colder, supplementing with Vitamin D can help build stress resilience, alleviate moodiness, calm anxiety, and increase energy. Vitamin D also regulates the happy hormones in our bodies such as dopamine and serotonin. Finally, it is also recommended to take Vitamin D during these cold months as this vitamin is crucial to enhancing the immune system and helps in fighting the common cold or flu.
2. Vitamin C: This vitamin also plays a key roll in the maintenance and function of the immune system. Studies have shown that people with a Vitamin C deficiency often feel more fatigued. Therefore, boosting your dose of Vitamin C simply by having the chewable tablets on hand can increase both energy and cognitive function.
Massage Therapy for SAD
Massage therapy has been used to alleviate depression, anxiety, stress, and lethargy for thousands of years. In fact, receiving any form of touch is shown to alleviate these feelings because touch stimulates the hormone oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.
Furthermore, massage therapy has been proven to decrease stress by raising dopamine and serotonin levels. This helps balance the body and mind into a calmer state, leaving the individual feeling lighter, which leads to less depression.
Regularly scheduled massage therapy during the winter months can help cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder by:
Decreasing heart rate and blood pressure
Enhancing circulation
Decreasing stagnant energy
Boosting the immune system
Promotes a wellness-routine
Improves sleep
Time and time again, I see my clients feel rejuvenated after a massage; so much so, that levels of motivation even seem to return. Let massage therapy help you out of the winter blues, schedule your appointment today.