Seasonal depression
Vanessa Rivers
Seasonal depression
The end of the summer holidays is a return to the routine for adults and the return to class for the youngest. The leaves fall to make room for the first snow. The days are shorter and the darkness is more and more present. At the arrival of cooler temperatures you want to isolate yourself on the sofa in front of a fireplace with a hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket. This great progressive change sometimes causes a depression called "winter blues". Vacations are explored under the sun because the body and brain lack light, endorphin and serotonin. In these moments, everyone is looking for light.
The lack of luminosity in winter disrupts the internal biological clock and can affect the mood, thus showing the symptoms of seasonal depression. Affected individuals experience a loss of energy and motivation, fatigue, sadness, and loss of appetite and sleep. According to canalvie.com, it is estimated that one in five people in Canada will be affected by this type of depression and that 3% of them will have seasonal affective disorder.
Natural antidepressant
Fortunately there are plenty of tools to get out of the winter blues. The most recommended way is a natural antidepressant: physical activity. Moving is good for morale! In fact, there is nothing better than stretching to lather neurons, release endorphins and secrete serotonin. It is not easy to kick your buttocks and put your nose out as often as possible despite the cold that discourages you. Yet it must be done to get out of the depression.
In addition to all the neurological benefits, physical activity improves the quality of sleep and allows you to find the energy you need to function properly. What is even more beneficial? Exercise outdoors. Go out in the fresh air and fill up with light! And do you know what is even more effective? Do outdoor physical activity as a group. Surrounding yourself with people who share the same interests is always more motivating.
In short, the seasonal depression is a small sneaky beast that arrives without announcing itself. She comes to put a gray cloud on our daily happiness. On the other hand, your best natural ally is at your fingertips and you have to know how to use it!