Coping with Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder
After the fun filled festivities of winter are over, we are left with cold days and minimal hours of sunlight - something many individuals struggle with considerably. Seasonal Affective Disorder often leads to low moods and struggles with motivation, with the potential to progress to overwhelming feelings of anxiety and depression. Australian Bush Flower Essences are on hand to discuss lifestyle steps that can help with this winter disorder, and explore the ways you can cope with the symptoms of SAD in the colder months.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as ‘SAD’ or ‘winter blues’, affects 3 in every 100 individuals in the UK - although the signs and symptoms vary between cases. Many different behaviours are associated with winter depression; such as feeling tired and irritable, as well as wanting to hibernate until sunnier days.
Helping your cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Treatments for SAD vary. This seasonal pattern mood disorder can be helped through utilising the following:
A SAD Lamp: People with SAD can benefit from light therapy; light box lamps that simulate dawn. Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, sufferers can wake up in the morning by using lamps that mimic natural sunlight. This helps them begin their day on a better note.
Red Light Therapy: Red Light Therapy from a clinical device is when wavelengths are shined into a person's head; the wavelengths are able to penetrate beneath the surface of the skin and reach the brain. The Red Light Therapy will positively affect the brain cells, as it replicates when natural light is absorbed by the mitochondria - something that boosts cerebral metabolism, improves neuroplasticity, and decreases inflammation, according to cutting-edge depression research. Increasing the natural light received by your brain cells has additionally been found to increase oxygen consumption, improve the metabolic capacity of your neurons,and boost cells’ ATP energy production.
Talk to someone: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust has been proven to improve your mood. The chances are that you know people who are experiencing the same emotions as you are. Taking time to talk with someone gives them an insight into what's going on with you, in case you are acting out of character; for example, if you decide to cancel plans, or are a little more irritable than usual.
*If you're particularly concerned about your seasonal depressive disorder, you may also wish to speak to your GP or therapist.
Spend more time outside: Lack of sunlight is one of the main causes of feeling depressed. Dark nights and cold, short days can significantly impact your emotions, making it considerably difficult to feel motivated. Venturing outside throughout the day is proven to make a big difference, even if it’s just for a short walk. When in a state of winter blues, it is important to continually remind yourself that it won’t last forever - brighter days are just around the corner!
Consume a balanced Diet: During the winter months, when the immune system is weakened and viruses are more likely to spread, taking care of yourself is essential. Consuming a balanced diet is important; as it can ensure you are receiving the necessary nutrients to stay healthy.
ABFE’s to help our Emotional Wellbeing
Sunshine Wattle: For those who see life as being grim and full of struggle. When they look at life they only see bleakness, hard times and disappointment continuing into the future. In the positive mode these people will see the beauty, joy and excitement in the present and optimistically anticipate the future.
Light stimulates the pineal gland, which helps regulate your body clock and your moods. Bush Iris Flower helps to work on/and balance the pineal gland.
Also helpful:
Dynamis Remedy Essence: Dynamis Essence is perfect for those who feel a loss of enthusiasm and drive and are emotionally off in their day-to-day activities - something frequently felt amongst those suffering from Winter seasonal .
Peach-flowered Tea-tree: This is a remedy for those who are up and down emotionally, hypochondriacal people. It can also be used for people who get enthusiastic and then, for no apparent reason, lose that enthusiasm. It is for those who do not 'follow through' on their goals and convictions. Once the challenge goes, they become bored and lose interest. It will help develop stability, consistency, drive and commitment.
If experiencing unusual levels of tiredness or low energy, ABFE recommends the following solutions from their remedy collection - Banksia Robur, Macrocarpa and Old Man Banksia or try remedy combination Dynamis Oral Spray.
For those suffering with feelings of despair or sadness, the remedies Waratah and Tall Yellow Top are recommended.
Whilst the winter can be a tough time, it is an opportunity to work on looking inwards and focus on bettering yourself and turning any negative thoughts and feelings into ones of positivity and optimism especially with a new year ahead. To get you through the colder darker months, Australian Bush Flower Essences is proud to stock an extensive collection of products abundant in healing properties. Be sure to shop the range today, and remember that bright and warmer days are just ahead!
