Read all about Seasonal Affective Disorder
Feeling a little S.A.D. these days? You are not alone. Thankfully, there is a simple solution.
Many of us, especially in colder northern regions are currently suffering from what we call the winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
It’s a common problem ranging in severity from mild cases with the usual symptoms (low energy, irritability, weight gain, body aches and carbohydrate and sugar cravings) to more serious cases that can lead to isolation and even suicide.
There are many factors that may contribute to this annual emotional and physical funk. The most obvious is a lack of sunlight. As the days get shorter and temperatures fall we tend to spend more time in our cozy homes and we experience a significant drop in our exposure to light.
As wonderful as the holidays can be, there is often a subtle or sometimes profound emotional hangover that follows. Add in a little weight gain from all those Christmas cookies and the burden of extra credit card debt and it is easy to see how some can spiral into depression.
The good news is our mood does not need to be reliant on the seasons.
Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder with Exercise
Although we can’t control the weather, we can help ourselves by making our homes and workplaces brighter, spending active time outdoors when there is some sunlight, even if it is a brief walk and most importantly being consistent with some type of workout.
Yes, once again the magical cure is exercise!
We all know that exercise works wonders year round, in many ways, like reducing stress, fighting disease, improving sex and quality of sleep. Physical activity releases the body’s’ own natural “feel good medicine” called endorphins which can counteract both emotional and physical effects of SAD.
Regular sessions of as little as 30 minutes, a few times a week can immediately bring dramatic results.
An experienced professional can help design and teach a safe and effective plan of action. You can quickly improve your mood, energy, strength and appearance by simply beginning to return the body back to its natural state; active and strong.
So, take the first step to feeling like the warm sun is shining on you even on the darkest days. Get moving!
