Feeling a bit down or low on energy? You might be feeling a case of the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (aka SAD).
“The seasonal blues are a feeling of mild depression that coincides with the seasons that are typically shorter on light and sunshine,” states Aubrey Marcus, CEO of Onnit Labs, a natural supplements maker.
Even famous folks get SAD—singer Natalie Imbruglia and Rosie O’Donnell are two celebs who have been diagnosed with the seasonal disorder. Rosie even shared with her fans how she’s been known to hang upside down for 15 to 30 minutes to relieve the blues.
So, what causes our moods to swing when the days get darker? Nutritionists say it is a diminished amount of vitamin D that people are getting from a limited amount of sunshine. Another factor is people’s exercise levels drop. Also, winter weight gain can cause a shift in hormones, which leads to feeling down in the dumps.
Onnit shares 4 great tips for feeling more sunshine on a dreary winter day.
1. Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamin D. Take your opportunities while the sun is shining, even if it is partly cloudy, to spend some time outside. While artificial tanning has its drawbacks to skin health, if done sparingly during the winter can also help the body with natural vitamin D production. Lastly, take a good vitamin D supplement or a natural serotonin booster. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for positive mood, and the formula New Mood by Onnit Labs contains both vitamin D and the two direct precursors to serotonin production.
2. Make sure to exercise. The exercise will keep your hormones in balance and endorphins flowing, which are two key aspects to maintaining a positive outlook. For help with motivation in the gym, try Onnit Labs’ ShroomTech Sport, which provides cellular ATP energy through the gold medal tested mushroom cordyceps sinensis.
3. Have plenty of (safe) sex. Sex releases positive endorphins and is one of the best stress relievers in existence. Just make sure it’s done safely and with a good partner because, if not, there will be another reason to have the blues besides the season!
4. Stay healthy. Eat plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruit, and lean protein. Wash your hands often and use a saline nasal spray at night after travel or close proximity to large groups of people. And for an additional boost, look into Onnit Labs’ ShroomTech Immune formula which stimulates the body’s natural production of immune cells built to fight off immune challenges.