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<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel like the winter months and darker days make you feel sad, anxious or fatigued, you are not alone. Many people explain feelings of sadness that increase in winter months. Healthline describes this as follows; \u201cIf the changing seasons leave you feeling sad, anxious, empty, or experiencing other negative emotions for most of the day, nearly every day, you may have seasonal affective disorder<\/a> (SAD) \u2014 a condition now officially termed major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. \u2018Symptoms of this recurrent form of depression most often emerge during the darker winter months, then disappear as days grow longer and brighter come spring\u2019, says Ken Duckworth, MD<\/a>, medical director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and assistant clinical professor at Harvard University Medical School in Boston. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is very common as the days get shorter and darker for the feelings of sadness to increase, and many areas also experience harsher weather changes with winter, forcing them to stay indoors. With the coronavirus pandemic affecting everyone more now than ever, feelings of hopelessness and depression are incredibly commonplace no matter which climate you live in. If you\u2019re wondering how to beat the winter blues, there is hope. Here are some natural, cost effective remedies that can help you weather the winter and see some light on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the easiest, cheapest ways to cure the winter blues (or any blues) is to get some exercise. \u201cExercise is incredibly beneficial for mental health<\/a>\u201d, states SureFiz trainer and health coach Jenn Ryan, \u201cBeyond the feelings of accomplishment after a good workout, exercise also boosts endorphins, serotonin and the feel-good hormones in the body. Regular exercise also clears the mind and reduces stress, making you feel like you have the strength to tackle any hard things in life. In addition, exercise can help you sleep better and get the rest you need to feel better\u201d. She suggests trying a simple 30 minute walk, jog or bike ride to get outside. If you have access to a set of stairs, try our simple stair workout ideas<\/a> to get sweaty and move the body out of depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vitamin D has many health benefits. It\u2019s main job in our bodies is to promote calcium absorption and strengthen bones but it can also help with the following functions; muscle strength, immune boosting<\/a>, fight inflammation, strengthen oral health and even aid in weight loss. One of the benefits found in recent years has been the benefit of fighting depression. Vitamin D is also called the sunshine vitamin, as we can get vitamin D from sunlight. Researchers in the journalNeuropsychiatry<\/a> found “a significant relationship between depression and vitamin D deficiency.\u201d Many people who supplement with vitamin D notice a difference in mood and feelings of wellness, as well as the ability to stay healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a healthy diet is another highly recommended way to combat seasonal depression. \u201cThe body needs vital nutrients, and the best way to prevent deficiencies is to get them through real food\u201d, says Jenn Ryan. When you fill up on comfort foods filled with fat, sugar and processed chemicals, they may taste good and initially fill a void, but eventually can lead to worse feelings of indigestion and sluggishness. Instead, she recommends that you fill your plates with plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grain, fiber filled grains, healthy proteins and fats such as avocado. By eating healthier more balanced foods, you will not only feel satiated when needed but will avoid the after feelings of guilt and fatigue. With healthy fuel, you will be able to have energy to get out of bed and face the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Light Boxes<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n