
27 Jan How to combat seasonal depression?
Every year, as the days grow shorter and the light fades, some people suffer from the “winter blues” or seasonal depression. This seasonal affective disorder affects around one in 10 people, mostly women. Lack of natural light is thought to be the main cause. In fact, during autumn and winter, the brain secretes more melatonin, resulting in a lack of energy, low morale and compulsive eating. compulsive eating.
If you’re feeling like hibernating and spending the winter under the comforter, there are simple solutions to give you a boost. First of all, you can turn to light therapy. Some doctors or hospitals offer exposure sessions to a special lamp. You can also buy one for quiet exposure at home in the right amount of light (30 minutes to an hour from time to time will suffice). If your symptoms are mild, simply increase the light intensity in the rooms you are in.
When we’re suffering from winter blues, we tend to throw ourselves on food, especially sweet “comfort food”, which briefly boosts our spirits but costs a lot on the scales. Several solutions exist to prevent weight gain These include a short detox and a balanced diet such as soups, fruit and vegetables, fish or grilled white meat. And don’t forget a course of vitamins.
You can do yourself good by taking care of yourself. Beauty treatments at home or in an institute are highly recommended, as are massages. Thinking of others is just as important. How about giving some of your time to a charity or humanitarian organization?
Take advantage of your free time to walk, do some sport and take your mind off things. You can also go window-shopping, go to the cinema or the theater, or organize a meal with friends or loved ones! You can, of course, set your sights higher by taking a trip to the slopes or the sun. There’s nothing like a change of scenery to help you forget the blues. Good sleep is essential for recovery. Take advantage of a break to nap for up to 20 minutes. Try to go to bed earlier and wake up more gently. The dawn simulator, which recreates optimal sunset and sunrise conditions in your bedroom, is just the thing.
Finally, if you think you’re suffering from SAD with more serious emotional problems (permanent sadness, melancholy, suicidal thoughts, loss of interest in life…), don’t delay in seeking help from a therapist who works on managing emotions and unconscious blocks. For depression hypnosis can be an excellent ally.