WINTER GETTING YOU DOWN?
The long winter months can leave you feeling tired, sad and cranky. You are definitely not alone as 21% of the UK population feel the same with a further 3% actually diagnosed with the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The 21% are said to have the ‘Winter Blues’, which is considered a milder form of SAD.
WHY?
The reason can be found in our ancestry because our brains are still wired for the bright sunlight of equatorial Africa, where our ancestors came from. In contrast to back then, we now live in a colder, darker climate, but more importantly, we’re spending around 93% of our time inside. As a result of our indoor life and darker days, our levels of serotonin (the happy hormone) is depleted, and we get more melatonin (sleepy hormone).
BLUE OR BROWN EYES
People with brown eyes are more likely to suffer from SAD or the Winter Blues than those with blue eyes. Blue eye pigment allows more light to reach the retina, and this allows for higher production of serotonin in winter. Blue eye colouration is thought to have been an adaptation to SAD and general mood variability at northern latitudes over the years. Hence why those that have lived in the northern hemisphere have more incidence of blue eyes.
MAN OR WOMAN
Women are 40% more likely to suffer from SAD or the Winter Blues, and it’s most common in women aged 20-50. It’s thought that SAD could be an evolutionary adaptation designed to help women of childbearing age save energy and hold onto weight to produce offspring and help them survive winter, as it encourages you to sleep more and eat high- calorie foods. This is further endorsed by the fact that SAD is less likely after menopause.
SAD OR WINTER BLUES
Tell-tale signs of having SAD is a low mood, fatigue, cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods and an urge to be alone are all common symptoms of the winter blues. If you have full-blown SAD, you may have highly debilitating symptoms that affect every aspect of your life. SAD shows itself in the summer months too as feeling very excitable and upbeat to the point of having insomnia. Winter blues produces much less of a contrast with feelings of being a bit fed up in the winter and boosted by the summer weather to a sense of wellness and wellbeing.
THE NATURAL CURE
Get outside in the winter months is the simple advice from the medical profession and natural health practitioners alike. Thirty minutes outside, taking part in any activity can make a huge difference. Changing your diet helps too. Cut down on sugary food. It’s harder to do in the winter as you crave carbs and carbs are excellent as long as they don’t come wrapped in sugar. Hit the potatoes as they give you a boost of serotonin and give you a slow energy burn rather than a rush and drop that you get from sugar. Eat less meat and more fish, especially oily fish. If you are a vegan, include more flaxseed or seaweed in your diet. If you don’t like these foods, take an omega-3 supplement. Add a vitamin D3 supplement to as this also boosts your mood. And socialise. SAD and the Winter blues makes us feel less likely to get out there, but that tends to worsen the situation – so see friends and have fun, preferably outdoors.
OUTDOOR CURE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
You’ve heard the advice, and now it’s time to take action. Download the Geronigo App onto your phone and have every outdoor activity at your fingertips and at the click of a button. So, when you’re feeling low and lethargic, book into a fun outdoor activity with your friends and boost your mood anytime you need to.
By CJ