Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression, affects many people’s day-to-day lives and can be difficult to manage during the winter. If you’re struggling with seasonal changes, take a look at some of our top tips for how to fight season depression:
1. Light box therapy
Light boxes mimic sunlight and are a fantastic option for those dealing with SAD. Light box therapy can help trigger the chemical response in your brain to lift your mood, help you sleep, and prevent you from feeling tired all the time. You can find these light sources on nearly every major retail site in varying sizes, styles, and prices, making them an affordable option for every budget.
2. Natural sunlight
Soaking in Vitamin D from natural sunlight is probably the best way to fight seasonal depression, but since daylight hours are much shorter in the winter, it’s often the most difficult option. If you can rearrange your schedule or daily routine and eat outside on your lunch break. Better yet, swap your after-work walk around the neighborhood for a morning walk to start your day with a few minutes in the sun!
3. Stress management
Taking care of yourself when you’re depressed can seem too overwhelming, but finding ways to lower your stress and boost your spirits can be found in the smallest acts of self-care, from taking a bath or treating yourself to a massage to cooking a hearty, comforting meal to journaling or engaging in your favorite hobby. Your daily sleep, eating, and exercise habits are important factors in keeping your body safe from sickness and stress, and when you're taking care of your body, you’re also taking care of your mind.
4. Stay Social
One of the best things you can do to fight seasonal depression is to stay busy with family and friends. It can be easy to neglect friendships and isolate yourself when you’re feeling low, but surrounding yourself with people who care about you will go a long way in improving your mental health. And most importantly, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you open up and talk with someone you trust or speak with a mental health professional, telling others how you feel can be incredibly helpful.
5. Boost with targeted supplements.
- Ulta Vitamin D3 + K2– Vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies in adults and has a direct impact on immune health and mood.
- Magnesium Glycinate– Magnesium is one of the best supplements to take for mental health support. It can improve stress response, cognitive function, sleep, mood, and many other factors linked to depression.
- B Complex Plus– Other important nutrients that contribute to feeling your best from the inside out are the B complex vitamins; this formula is a targeted blend with highly bioavailable forms for optimal absorption.
If you have any questions or would like to go over your current medications, health concerns, and wellness goals, reach out to us and schedule a consultation! Our pharmacy experts are ready and willing to sit down with you to explore ways to improve your health with simple, manageable steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
