Beating the winter blues

People who experience SAD often notice a drop in mood in autumn and continue to feel low through the winter months. However, SAD usually lifts during spring and summer. 

As seasons change so do the natural rhythms of our bodies. These include:

• Our internal body clock - This regulates our mood and appetite changes with the seasons. You may find you want to sleep more and eat hearty food in winter.
• Serotonin levels - A brain chemical that can make you feel happy, calm, or less hungry – may drop in winter and lead to feelings of depression.
• Melatonin levels - A brain chemical that regulates sleep patterns and mood) may fluctuate over winter which can affect your sleep and mood.

If you are experiencing seasonal depression, here are some steps you can take to feel better:

• Get outdoors as much as possible - sun and fresh air boost vitamin D and serotonin levels in the body.
• Exercise regularly to increase serotonin and endorphins (another feel-good brain chemical) and lift your mood.
• Stay in contact with friends and family so you don’t feel isolated.
• Get into healthy eating and drinking habits. Balanced meals and low levels of alcohol minimise mood swings and maintain energy levels.
• Reduce your stress levels. Ask for help if you’re not sure how to reduce stress

If you need to talk to someone, ANZCO Foods offers workplace wellbeing support from Vitae. You can make an appointment by calling 0508 664 981, or visiting https://vitae.co.nz/