Natural Treatment For The Winter Blues (Part 2)
What can we do to prevent the winter blues from hitting this year?
First off I have to say that the information provided in this guide is in no way intended to treat or cure any illness. I am not a doctor, just a concerned woman who has been there. My goal is to help others and offer information and strategies that have helped me cope better through the winter. If you feel extremely depressed or suicidal please talk to your doctor. You may benefit from medication. If you are on medication please do not go off of it cold turkey, implement these natural tips and talk to your doctor about a plan, if you so desire, to safely go off of your medication.
There are a number of things you can to do enhance your environment, diet, routine and health to lessen the chance that you’ll be hit with a case of the winter blues. Today I’m going to discuss LIGHT!
Get Some Light
Let’s talk about light. This is the number 1 reason why you feel so junky in the wintertime. We get less natural light this time of year. Our bodies need Vitamin D, which we get from exposure to the sun. In the winter we don’t get nearly enough of it.
- Within the first 2 hours of waking up in the morning, get some natural light!
I know I know, this may sound ridiculous, it’s cold outside after all but you don’t necessarily have to be out in the cold air. Here are a few suggestions on how to get that natural light at the beginning of your day:
- Talk a walk: Bundle up. It doesn’t need to be long; just 15 minutes will work wonders.
- Sit by the sunniest window or room in your house.
- Go for a drive.
- If morning isn’t feasible get out on your lunch break.
Don’t worry if it’s cloudy, it is still helpful to get some daylight. Another thing you can do is purchase a Dawn Simulator, you can find them on Amazon for anywhere from $20-$400. What it is, is an alarm that wakes you up with a light that gradually gets brighter and brighter. This is helpful because it stimulates the body’s circadian rhythms thus helping to regulate your sleep. But also allows you to wake up to a nice bright “sunny” light.
You can also purchase a light box, which is a full spectrum light and is 10 x’s the intensity of regular house lights. Again they vary in price and can be found on Amazon. Look for “light box therapy”. Generally you use them for 15 minutes a day to boost your mood, read directions on the packaging for more information.
Another way to get some light and this is the most expensive and may not be feasible for everyone is to take a vacation to a warmer place. If you can afford to get away for just a few days it can do wonders. Just drive south!
You can also switch out the light bulbs in your home to full spectrum lights to add some brightness to your home. Placing a few plants around your house might also help boost your mood with some fresh greenery.
Another way to get some light is to go tanning. I know you’re probably thinking that sounds a bit crazy because tanning beds have a bad wrap and everyone is so concerned with skin cancer but there is a great article by Dr. Mercola.
Use your best judgment!
This article explains how to look for the right kind of tanning bed (UVB), which will increase your vitamin D levels safely. I haven’t tried this yet but I am going to be calling tanning salons in our area to see if we have access to these types of tanning beds. I think that in addition to getting some vitamin D just the opportunity to feel the warmth on your skin would do wonders on a chilly day!
Lastly you can purchase a Himalayan Salt Lamp to place in your home or office. Once again they sell at amazon starting at $15. These special lamps put off negative ions, which help lift our mood and energize our bodies. Our environment is filled with positive ions from our computers, televisions, and phones among other things, which cause feelings of lethargy, weakness and depression. Adding negative ions into the air may balance your environment and your mood!
Stay tuned for part 3 of this series. If you haven’t read it check out part 1 which identifies the signs and symptoms of the dreaded winter blues.
As always have a wonderful, healthy day,
~Hannah
