3 WAYS TO FEEL LESS SAD

Instead of feeling low all Winter read our tips on how to beat it.

Do you feel bleak at this time of year? This could be SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms can include feeling depressed, oversleeping, craving carbohydrates and sweet foods, and also lethargy. Says nutritionist and author of The Natural Health Bible for Women, Dr. Marilyn Glenville: “Like animals hibernating in winter, it is thought that maybe SAD is a normal response to the winter months as it was helpful to our ancestors”. Instead of feeling low all winter here’s how to beat it:

1. Switch up your Snacks

“Your body makes serotonin (the ‘feel good’ brain chemical) from tryptophan. Tryptophan occurs naturally in foods such as dairy products, fish, bananas, dried dates, soya, almonds and peanuts” says Marilyn.

2. Boost your Vitamin D

You may be more affected by SAD because of a lack of vitamin D, which can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, linked to depression. So get liquid vitamin D3 and drop it under your tongue, where it will absorb more quickly than a capsule. Try NHP’s Vitamin D3 Support(£12.97.

3. Light up your life

A light lamp alarm clock gradually turns itself on (and gets brighter) to mimic natural dawn sunrise, waking you up slowly before your alarm goes off. Research has shown these can help you feel more positive and find it easier to get out of bed in the darker months. The Lumie Bodyclock Starter 30 Wake Up to Daylight SAD Light is available from johnlewis.com.