With the cold season approaching, many of us start to look forward to all the nice, comforting things that fall and winter bring. Halloween, cozy nights by the fire, hot chocolate, warm knitwear, and of course, Christmas. Other people, though, experience this time of year very differently. Feelings of anxiety, negativity, and even full-fledged symptoms of depression can arise in this period. It’s not just “one of those things”: it’s a real, debilitating condition.
What Is SAD?
This condition is called seasonal affective disorder. More commonly known by its acronym SAD, it’s a specific type of depression that tends to happen in fall and winter. Many factors can influence SAD, in particular the fewer hours of daylight. These can wreak havoc on our bodies’ internal “clock” and prevent the normal production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and melatonin. Some of the main symptoms of SAD are those that we can identify in other types of depression, including finding it difficult to wake up and start the day, feeling sluggish and lethargic, giving into sugary food cravings, seeking isolation instead of companionship, feeling low, anxious, and irritable. In some more serious cases, people may even experience feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. If any of this sounds familiar to you, or if you know someone who suffers from SAD, then this article can help. We have rounded up our top-three, greatest tips to help you tackle this disorder and, finally, start making the most of one of the most beautiful and magical times of year.
1. Stock up on Vitamin D
One of the main culprits of SAD is, as we mentioned, the decrease in daylight. So, it’s a good idea to try and get as much vitamin D as possible during the day. Try to get out for walks (even a stroll around the block will do!) and replenish your body with vitamin D-rich foods, such as oily fish, eggs, and red meat, or consider incorporating a vitamin D supplement into your diet. You should also try to let the sun into your home as much as possible, especially if you work remotely or spend a lot of time indoors. Open your blinds or curtains, move your workspace by a bright window, and add some plants for an extra pop of color.
2. Exercise and Eat Well
Eating a healthy, varied, and balanced diet, and exercising regularly are two of the best self-care ideas that you can implement in your life. This is even truer if you tend to experience SAD. The right types of food will give both your body and your brain all the nutrients they need to function at their best. Hydration is also key to keep yourself energized and focused. Working out regularly is crucial to your holistic well-being. Not only will it help you to stay in good health and physical shape, but it will also enable your body to produce mood-regulating, feel-good hormones that can counteract the feelings of stress and anxiety generated by SAD.
3. Bring the Spa into Your Home
Another fantastic way to help you feel more relaxed and positive in winter is by carving some time out of your busy day to look after your skin. Think about this as your very own, super-private home spa day! Pampering your skin with a sheet mask, for example, will help you feel instantly relaxed and rejuvenated. At Inna Organic, we have developed an extensive range of sheet masks that address specific skin concerns and conditions. Whether you are looking to hydrate, revitalize, soothe, or detoxify, our collection of sheet masks has something that’s just perfect for you. Using a sheet mask as a little pick-me-up if you suffer from SAD is great in two ways. It helps you find some calming, mindful time just for yourself, and it delivers immediate and great results on your skin. After using your sheet mask, in fact, you will be surprised by just how positive you feel, and how glowing your skin looks! To shop our sheet masks, click here.