Want to beat the winter blues?

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops in the winter months, many individuals, especially older adults, find themselves grappling with what is called "Winter Blues" and it is very real for a lot of people.  In fact it's known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a form of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, typically during the winter months.  Luckily it's not something I've ever experienced but I know people who have and it really does affect their lives and the sadness and lethargy can be difficult for people to understand and impacts their whole life.

It was particularly apparent during the pandemic of 2021 and 2022 when people were isolated due to the impact of the virus and restrictions placed on our lives at that time and the knock on effect on everyone's mental wellness.

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to help improve resilience to the winter blues without resorting to anti depressant medication which is a last resort

Understanding the Winter Blues

The first is reduced sunlight and one of the primary factors contributing to the winter blues.  Sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep patterns because of it's direct influence on the production of serotonin and melatonin.  When you don't feel like going outdoors (or can't as happened during the early days of the COVID 19 pandemic), deficiency in sunlight plays a significant part in how our body is working and the direct effect it has on our brain (the gut-brain-axis).

Whilst my husband and I don't suffer from SAD we feel so much better when we are living in our home in Spain and have way more sunshine all year round.

Isolation and loneliness is another.  Less than clement weather conditions often bring isolation and reluctance to go outside or partake of outdoor activities (even just walking!)  Can be a very good reason for having a dog!  Unfortunately being alone without social interaction just contributes to feelings of loneliness and sadness and with more and more people working from home these days the problem is definitely going to affect you if you are susceptible to the winter blues.

1. Light Therapy

There are devices you can buy that mimic natural sunlight and help regulate mood and improve your overall well-being

2. Stay Active

Regular physical activity really is a powerful antidote to the winter blues as it releases endorphins which are natural mood lifters. Just getting out for a walk can make all the difference or find some indoor classes you enjoy such as yoga, stretching or even learning to dance!  Going back to the  pandemic years in the UK we were all advised to get out and take a walk albeit not to get close to other people.

3. Social Engagement

Being socially active is as important as being physically active so joining clubs and being with other people is really important.  Even consider volunteering.  Social connections is vital for emotional well-being

4. Nutrition & Hydration

A well balanced diet an positively impact mood and energy levels.  Nutrient-rich foods will help feed the gut bacteria and they in turn will help create serotonin which is the mood lifting hormone.  Of course water is super important too as none of us drink enough do we.

Last but not least

5. Supplementation

Take vitamin C and vitamin D supplements to help you get through the winter months and if you want to know my go to drink it's called Happy Juice 

Happy Juice is a combination of three products combined in a drink taken every day.  We began taking it during the pandemic and imported it from the USA  We seriously could not have got through two very stressful years without it and today would NEVER give it up.  Luckily it is now available in Australia, Canada and the UK and Europe

I firmly believe that we can all with a little help improve our stress resilience and live happier healthier lives with a little help when we need it

I'm passionate about helping women 50 plus find solutions to their menopause symptoms (which of course include mood swings and very relevant here) naturally through a better understanding of the gut-brain-axis and how what we eat affects so many areas of our lives