5 Ways to BEAT the Winter Blues

I made it pretty clear that I hate the winter in yesterday's post. Well, today we get to have a high of 24* so the kids are back to school and although I'm still freezing, at least I'm not going crazy and breaking up arguments! Pros and cons, right?!

I though it would be a great time to share how I SURVIVE when I despise the cold and deal with feelings of sadness, depression, and complete lack of motivation during the winter months. You may have heard of "Seasonal Depression" or "Seasonal Affective Disorder". It's basically a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter.

There are a few reasons behind this. According to the Mayo Clinic*, the specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown. Some factors that may come into play include:

• Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body's internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.
• Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.
• Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.

So, what can we do?

1. CHECK OUT LIGHT BOXES
Something I haven't ventured into yet, but plan to soon, is using a Light Box*. I have heard great reviews on it helping during the winter months when we're not getting enough light.

Here are a few other things I do to help myself in these cold, winter months:

2. SUPPLEMENT WITH VITAMIN D 
Generally, a liquid form will be more bioavailable. I also learned in recent years, the benefit of taking a combo D3/K2 supplement, to increase absorption*. We use this brand off Amazon. 

3. HIGH QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS & HEALTHY DIET
I find that in the winter, when I'm miserable, it's really easy to just load up on excessive amounts of carbs, sugars and other unhealthy things. However, that just makes me feel even worse. So, staying on top of a healthy, balanced diet is a key factor in not falling apart the moment Christmas is over! Haha! 

Sometimes, I need help though. As a busy mom of seven, I sometimes miss breakfast as we 're running out the door... or I don't make time to prepare my lunch ahead of time, so I end up needing to eat out. Stuff happens! Not to mention, even the healthiest food isn't as nutrient dense as we often need. So, for our family, we have found that supplementing with a high quality, food/plant-based multivitamin and fish oil supplement is crucial during the winter, but also all year round. I have seen significant health benefits and I continue to, even with my healthy diet! We use doTERRA's Lifelong Vitality Supplements and LOVE THEM! Check out this info and video to learn more! They are available only to wholesale customers, through the Loyalty Rewards Program that doTERRA has, which makes them extremely cost-effective for us. 

4. STAY ACTIVE
I know! All you want to do is curl up under the covers and never get out of bed. However, even the slightest bit of exercise and activity will help. Try joining an aerobics class, maybe easing into Yoga, doing simple jumping jacks and stretches in the morning, or even just go walking at a mall. Those are mostly simple things that just get you moving.
I am getting back into Yoga and it has felt great to incorporate not only the exercise and flexibility that Yoga brings, but also the mindfulness.
​I'm also using our new Yoga oils and they have helped make this gentle transition really lovely! 

5. UPLIFTING ESSENTIAL OILS
I love to use grounding, and uplifting oils to really boost my mood and give me a little extra energy this time of year. Some of my favorites are Arise (Yoga collection), Cheer, Balance, Citrus Bliss, Frankincense, Peace, Lime, Copaiba, and Siberian Fir. I find myself reaching for those a lot, blending them together, and diffusing them throughout the day. Check out our Facebook page for some great daily oil tips as we focus on Beating The Winter Blues this week. doTERRA has this great list on 10 oils for winter, as well! 

Comment below and tell us what YOU do in the winter to feel better!
Are you planning to try any of these? Be sure to come back and let us know how it goes!


*References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
https://riordanclinic.org/2013/10/vitamins-d3-and-k2-the-dynamic-duo/
http://www.sadlamps.org

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