If you or someone you know has ever experienced feeling blue thanks to changes in the weather and shorter days, this means that you have all of the classic symptoms of what’s known as seasonal affective disorder, AKA, SAD. Generally defined, this is a form of seasonal depression that is brought on by the change in seasons and typically occurs during the winter. While many experts aren’t sure why people experience this, some believe that the changes in the season disrupt the overall circadian rhythm, which is your internal body clock that impacts your sleep.
Thankfully, there are all sorts of different ways in which something like this can be eased and we can end up feeling much more energized as a result. Here are three ways in which seasonal depression can be eased.
Talk to Your Doctor
First and foremost, if you believe that you are suffering from seasonal affective disorder, consider making an appointment with a mental health professional or your doctor and speaking with them about your symptoms. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you medication that will help alleviate symptoms, or can refer you to a therapist that can assist you. By taking part in therapy, your doctor will be able to determine if you are suffering from seasonal affective disorder or possibly general depression.
Aromatherapy
Another useful way to help with easing seasonal depression symptoms is to try aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses plant extracts to improve the overall health of your mind and body. Essential oils are commonly used for aromatherapy purposes, and are useful for influencing the area of the brain that is responsible for helping to control moods and emotions, as well as your body’s internal clock that helps with controlling both appetite and sleep. For instance, if you take a bath at night before going to bed, consider adding a few drops of essential oils to the water before getting in to help you relax. You can also consider purchasing an essential oil diffuser to fill different rooms in your home with scents that relax, or energize you. Pay attention to ingredients and recommended uses for different essential oil brands, and don’t put essential oils directly on your skin unless that is their specified use.
Stick to a Schedule
Another way to help ease seasonal depression symptoms is to come up with a schedule and make sure that you stick to it. By doing this, you will be improving your overall sleep at night, which will help with all the various symptoms associated with seasonal depression. Additionally, it will also help to expose you more to light at times that are more predictable and consistent as well, and even help you with keeping an eye on your diet and making sure that you don’t overeat.
Thank you for visiting CheerfulHearts by LauraBeth Ryan, a person who can help you ease seasonal affective disorder. We hope that you’ve found this blog helpful in taking the first steps to relieving symptoms of potential seasonal affective disorder. If you or someone you know needs a personal life coach, contact LauraBeth today.