Seasonal Affective Disorder: 5 ways to boost your mood this winter

With the official start of winter around the corner, coupled with colder weather, shorter days and less sunlight, it’s not surprising that for many this time of year can affect our mood and sense of wellbeing.

According to the NHS Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. It is also known as “the winter blues" as symptoms are often more apparent during winter months.

Symptoms of SAD can include:

• Persistent feelings of a low mood -feeling miserable, anxious and irritable
• Sleep problems- sleeping for longer than normal and struggling to get up in the morning, sometimes needing a nap in the afternoon
• Lacking energy- feeling like everything is overwhelming and an effort
• Over-eating - craving carbohydrates can often lead to weight gain

Causes of SAD?

Whilst the exact causes of SAD are unknown some scientists believe the following are key triggers for SAD:

-Disrupted internal clock (circadiun rhythm). A lack of exposure to sunlight can unsettle our biological clocks and may lead to feelings of depression.

-Drop in serotonin levels. Exposure to sunlight is believed to increase the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that is considered a natural mood stabiliser. In winter months when we get less exposure to the sun’s rays and serotonin levels decrease, it can trigger feelings of depression.

-Increase in melatonin. A hormone that responds to darkness causing us to feel sleepy, it’s no surprise that with shorter and darker winter days, melatonin production increases and causes feelings of lethargy.

In this article we explain 5 proven ways to boost your mood this winter.

1. Get outside

Put on a few extra layers and brave the crisp fresh air. Whilst it’s tempting to stay indoors where it’s warm and cozy, blowing away those cobwebs will leave you feeling invigorated and energised.

2. Brighten up your environment

Open blinds and curtains, even a window to let some fresh winter air in the house. Sit near windows or large doors that let the daylight flood in. If you have a garden cut back the overgrown trees to let the little sunlight there is flood in to your home.

3. Stimulate dawn

If you struggle to wake up in the morning and can’t shake off the drowsiness, especially if it’s still dark outside consider treating yourself to a dawn simulator clock like Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100. Studies have shown that these devices can act as an antidepressant and make it easier to get out of bed.

We’ve teamed up with the lovely @lumie.lights in our latest Advent Giveaway to offer a bright bundle that’s sure to boost your mood this winter worth over £150.

4. Exercise

Studies have shown that walking fast for 35 minutes a day 5 times a week or 60 minutes a day 3 times a week has been shown to improve symptoms of mild and moderate depression. Check out Energy Coach Emily’s other exercise tips here.

5. Supplements

life armour is born out of passion to help ease the impact of modern life on our health and wellbeing. 

Our 100% natural and vegan friendly formulations harness the power of adaptogens and are backed by scientific evidence. Both our super me and energise capsules contain Ashwagandha KSM-66 which has clinical evidence in the reduction of stress and anxiety as well as a host of other benefits. life armour is a great solution to nourish from within helping you to feel your best. 

super me has been specifically formulated with a blend of effective adaptogenic herbs to help you unwind and feel more resilient to the pressures of modern life.

Winter months leave you feeling lethargic?

Stop reaching for the caffeine and carbs and make the switch to our recharge focus capsules. A caffeine free energy boost that helps to power you throw the day.

We all want to achieve balance, but sometimes the pressures of modern life can get in the way. drops of balance can lend a helping hand, working naturally with your body to give you a moment to unwind when you need it most. Portable and convenient to take with you on the move, drops of balance will keep you at your best in times of need.

“I really loved this product - it delivers instant calm in a bottle”, Charlotte.