Sunlight and Your Mood

Spring is here, Yippee! The days are getting longer and the slump many people feel during the fall and winter months is finally lifting. The winter blues, not to be confused with the more severe seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affects 5 percent of all adults . Winter blues lasts about 40 percent of the year and tends to affect women more than men.

Ways to Make Your Transition Easier

Increase Vitamin D Consumption through winter months.
Spend at least 30 minutes outside a day.
Eat Healthy Foods.
Open your curtains and let the sunlight in.
Unplug- Spend time away from phones and computers
Swimming

What is SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) while similar to winter blues is more severe depression with predictable seasonal patterns. It has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. Symptoms Sleep Weight gain Mood changes Experiencing a decline in function Not feeling like themselves.

If you experience these symptoms during winter months you should be evaluated by a physician.

Foods that affect your mood

Lemons- Potassium in lemons helps with brain and nerve function, which can increase your alertness. Plus, according to Natural Health Magazine, scientist found that just a whiff of lemon can boost your feel-good hormones and reduce stress levels.

Sweet Potatoes- A good source of complex carbohydrates, which can increase serotonin levels in the brain leading to improved mood.

Sauerkraut and Kimchi- Eating fermented foods has also been linked to reduced anxiety symptoms.

Nuts and seeds- High in tryptophan, an amino acid responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin.