How to beat SAD

Feeling the winter blues? Don’t let the longer nights bring you down, discover how to beat SAD this winter.

SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – affects 2 million of us every winter in the UK, according to the NHS. No-one likes feeling blue, and winter has just as much to offer as summer. Sure, there’s much less sunshine to smile about. But what about snow, fireworks and Christmas? If that still isn’t enough to get you giddy, check out some of our quick-fire tips to get happy this winter.

1. Wake up right

Getting out the right side of bed every morning could set the tone for the rest of the day. SAD lights like Lumie can help you wake up gradually rather than aggressively, like a regular alarm clock. The light gently brightens over an extended time to slowly wake your body up.

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Source: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Seasonal-affective-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx

2. Feast on oily fish

Oily fish like salmon and sardines could help to enhance mood and fight depression. The omega-3 fatty acids are a known brain-boosting nutrient, so why not up your fish intake this winter? Or you can supplement with a good supplement, try Bioglan’s Super Fish Oil Capsules, £8.24, bioglan.co.uk

3. Exercise more

The rubbish weather hardly makes you want to get outside for a run, and the crowded gyms are just as unappealing. But getting back into a workout routine regardless of the cold is going to work wonders for your mood. Those happy hormones, endorphins, won’t go producing themselves, after all. You’ll thank yourself for it – trust us.

4. Munch on turkey

Don’t just save turkey for Christmas day. Make it a regular feature in your diet. Why? The lean meat is packed with tryptophan – an amino acid that helps to make serotonin in the body. Since low serotonin levels are associated with depression and low mood, it just makes sense!

5. Cut down on booze

We know that going booze-free during party season is tough, so that’s not what we’re suggesting. But how about saving the boozy nights for the special occasions like parties and family get-togethers? During the Christmas period, we tend to fall into the habit of drinking most nights, but being more mindful could make you happier. Unwinding with a glass of wine or having a few pints after work might feel good at the time, but remember: alcohol is a depressant, so it’ll do nothing but kill your mood.