It is a common fact that in the colder months, people feel much sadder and depressed than in other seasons. Days are getting shorter and colder, wind and rain become our daily companions, and the warm sunshine is nowhere to be found.
These things have a negative impact on your mental and physical health, making you feel down and lonely. Some people call it the September Blues, while others may say it is a seasonal affective disorder. However, no matter how you label the way you are feeling, there are several ways to deal with it.
If you are in a bad place mentally, you might want to consider visiting a mental health specialist, such as a licensed therapist. However, in many cases, a few simple lifestyle changes should do the trick. For example, if you haven’t considered using CBD products, then perhaps do some research on how these can help you during your low days. CBD is now widely used to help with feelings of anxiety and depression, so it’s worth a look!
Do you want to know what they are? If so, this article is definitely for you! Here, you will find a list of practical tips to help you deal with sadness and exhaustion in the colder months. Check it out, and put an end to your September Blues before it starts.
Taking Dietary Supplements
There are many dietary supplements out there that can do wonders to both your physical and mental health. The first one is vitamin B12. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps produce red blood cells and keep your nervous system working the way it should be. Taking vitamin B12 can make you feel happier, boost your mood, and improve your concentration.
Another remedy you should think about is chamomile tea. Not only does it taste great, but it has a calming effect on your body, helping you get rid of stress quickly. In addition to that, it has natural antidepressant properties. Ideally, you should drink chamomile tea two times a day.
Another effective alternative for stress relief is using CBD-based products, such as oils and softgels – the latter can also help you sleep better at night. However, you should ensure the high-quality CBD products you choose and buy only from reputable manufacturers. For example, at Kimberly-James.com CBD-rich organic hemp is used as the basis of all their products.
The third supplement that is worth mentioning is magnesium. It is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in tens of different biochemical reactions in the body, including regulating blood sugar levels and fighting anxiety and depression. You can find it in nuts, spinach, dark chocolate, beans, lentils, avocados, and bananas.
Lastly, there is vitamin D, which you can find in fish, eggs, and milk. It helps regulate hormone levels and improve both your physical and mental well-being. Moreover, it can help you sleep better.
Creating an Exercise Routine
The most straightforward way to deal with the September Blues is to exercise. It has been scientifically proven that physical activity reduces stress and anxiety, as well as boosts your mood and self-esteem. On top of that, just ten minutes of exercise a day can significantly reduce signs of depression and seasonal affective disorder symptoms.
Moreover, research suggests that exercising makes people feel more energetic and optimistic about their lives and may protect them against diseases related to chronic stress burden. Because of that, creating a sustainable exercise routine should help you feel more enthusiastic about studying and working, among other things.
Getting More Sunlight
It is common knowledge that sunlight causes our bodies to release hormones that make us feel happier and reduce the symptoms of depression. Consequently, it is recommended that you take frequent walks in the park and play sports when the sun is still up.
Improving Your Sleep
Many people find it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep in the summer, as the weather is hot. Others do not care about the weather but prefer to spend their nights partying and going out for long walks. On the other hand, many people suffer from sleep problems during autumn and winter. If you are one of such people, you should know that a regular lack of sleep – sleep deprivation – can cause serious health problems, including depression.
How do you improve your sleep, though? It is recommended that you make your bedroom more comfortable by using weighted blankets. Moreover, avoid bright lights before going to bed – use blackout curtains, reduce your screen time, and use nightlights instead of leaving the light on before going to bed.
Changing Your Diet
There are specific foods that can adversely affect your mood and may contribute to the development of depression. These foods include refined sugar, trans fats, and dairy products. Because of that, you should start paying due attention to what you eat.
Moreover, it is recommended that you eat more protein and avoid eating white bread and cereals, as they lack fiber and can make you feel tired. It is also recommended to reduce the intake of caffeinated drinks and sodas from your diet, as too much sugar and caffeine can cause mood swings.
Instead of coffee or soda, you should drink herbal teas instead. You already know that chamomile tea is an excellent option, but there are other options worth checking out – peppermint, licorice root, raspberry leaf, ginger, melissa, nettle, and lavender.
In Conclusion
There are many ways to deal with the September Blues, and this article will definitely help you figure out which one suits your needs best! In fact, if you follow the tips mentioned in this article, you should find yourself feeling much better and more energetic.
It is essential to understand that many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder, which might not easily go away and requires special treatment in more severe cases. If you feel like the September Blues are too strong for you to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a licensed therapist.