A Woman's Health Survival Guide For The Winter Blues - S.A.D.

It's been a personal battle I've faced for years.... I felt totally alone. 

 

But, I was honestly shocked to learn Seasonal Affective Disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Another 10 percent to 20 percent may have mild SAD.

SAD is four times more common in women than in men.

Do you, or does a woman you love get "down" this time of year?

  • People may experience:

  • Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, loneliness, loss of interest, mood swings, or sadness

  • Sleep: excess sleepiness, insomnia, or sleep deprivation

  • Whole body: appetite changes or fatigue

  • Behavioral: irritability or social isolation

  • Also common: depression, lack of concentration, or weight gain


I wanted to share some simple tips that have made such a positive impact in my life! I start implementing them NOW to get ahead of the funk.

Tip 1: Get as much natural sunlight as possible -

  •  It's FREE. Take short walks, sit in open windows, keep the blinds and drapes open during the day. If all these aren't possible- grab a Vitamin D supplement! 

Tip 2: Exercise regularly—it can be as effective as medication

  • Regular exercise can boost serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals

Tip 3: Eat the right diet

  • the symptoms of SAD can make you crave sugary foods and simple carbohydrates, such as pasta and white bread, —complex carbohydrates are a better choice. Foods such as oatmeal, whole grain bread, brown rice, and bananas can boost your feel-good serotonin levels without the subsequent sugar crash.

Tip 4: Take steps to deal with stress

  • Whatever the time of year, too much stress can exacerbate or even trigger depression.

  • Practicing daily relaxation techniques can help you manage stress, reduce negative emotions such as anger and fear, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. (Ill include a bonus step by step guide below)

Tip 5:  light therapy

  • A light box delivers light that with up to ten times the intensity of normal domestic lighting. In most cases, you simply sit about 12 inches in front of a 10,000-lux light box for 15 to 30 minutes each morning. Many of my friends RAVE about THIS ONE.

  • A dawn simulator is a device that gradually increases the amount of light in your bedroom in the morning to simulate the rising sun and wake you up. The light gradually increases, just as natural sunlight does, over a period of 30 to 45 minutes. Instead of waking in darkness, you wake to what looks like a sunny morning. This can help reset your circadian rhythm and improve your mood. Amazon has a GREAT deal right now on the dawn simulator I use. You can check it out HERE.


Tip 6 My Secret Weapons/Supplements - Cbd + Curcumin
 

Why Cbd?

It Reduces Anxiety

CBD prolongs the action of serotonin, the happy neurotransmitter. High serotonin levels have a positive impact in reducing stress. The net effect is significant decrease in anxiety and a relaxed state of mind. CBD is, therefore, an ideal alternative therapy for people with seasonal affective disorder. 

It Normalizes Sleep Pattern

CBD helps improve the disrupted sleep in people with seasonal affective disorder CBD helps regulate the melatonin levels and in turn, regulates the sleep-wake cycle so that a person with seasonal affective disorder gets normal healthy amount of sleep at night time. Healthy sleep not only has a positive impact on the overall mood but also on the energy levels, which keeps the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder at bay. 

It fights fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder and is more than just feeling worn out; it is your body’s inability to catch up with your mental health, leaving you weak. CBD is well-known for its ability to ward off fatigue and lethargy associated with the seasonal affective disorder.

CBD helps overcome fatigue, boosts your mood and gives you a feeling of natural energy. It is the same feeling which comes with a great workout. CBD, thus, helps you keep your energy levels up even during the dark winter days. 
 

Why Turmeric -  Curcumin 

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

There is now an abundance of research suggesting that depression is an inflammatory disease that develops as a result of chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Turmeric has a well-documented status as one of the best over the counter anti-inflammatory agents. Also, curcumin’s antioxidant properties can help reduce oxidative stress, a primary cause of depressive disorders.


I've been a consumer of CBD over the past 18 months and recently found a line that has dramatically improved my results. This line is the ONLY water molecule technology, zero oil. Pairing Curcumin WITH this premium CBD, all in one, makes it simple, effective and affordable. CLICK HERE to check out the line for yourself.


Check out the candid, live discussion on my experience with S.A.D. HERE


As promised, here is the BONUS - Progressive muscle relaxation GUIDE 

Progressive muscle relaxation is a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body. With regular practice, it gives you an intimate familiarity with what tension—as well as complete relaxation—feels like in different parts of your body. This can help you react to the first signs of the muscular tension

Meagan AndersonComment