The fall equinox means that the sun will progressively rise later and set sooner creating the darkest 6 month's of the year. With shorter days and longer nights, the lack of sunlight can have a significant impact on our mood and lead to S.A.D. seasonal affective disorder. The equinox is a really good reminder to increase preventative care!
Here are some things you can start doing now and thank me later:
Start taking Vitamin D! Lack of sunlight can deplete your vitamin D, which actively fights depression by increasing serotonin, the hormone key to stabilizing mood, and increasing happiness. 🌞
Get a happy lamp - I keep an aero garden in my living room where I grow basil and fresh herbs. The artificial light simulates sunlight and can help you keep a healthy circadian rhythm. 💡
Get social - It’s crucial to establish some social connection’s before we all become bears and hibernate in our houses all winter. Picking some friends to do a weekly activity can boost your happiness and reduce stress. 👭 #cuffingseason
Stay active - Physical activity is not only good for your body, but it's also great for your mind. Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good - boosting your self-esteem and helping you concentrate as well as sleep well and feel better.🏋♀️
Embrace green plants - I designed my studio to have a tropical plant vibe so my students would have a sanctuary to visit during winter. It's a fact that being around foliage triggers responses that bounce through billions of neural pathways in the brain to inevitably inform us that, yep, we're feeling great🌱
Keep going outside - I know the cold is a little daunting but there are lots of people that pay thousands of dollars to freeze themselves in ice baths and cryogenic chambers voluntarily 😅 I find dashing out for quick 15 minute midday walk boosts my mood immediately.🍂
I always feel very charged and optimistic until November but find around winter solstice my mood and energy take a huge dip. Taking preventative measures starting now can help prevent S.A.D and if it does show up, reduce the impact and work it will take to begin feeling 100% again.
Remember, structure and routine are your friends!
Comments