8 Natural Remedies to Help SAD
"[Y]ou have such a February face, so full of frost, of storm and cloudiness." -Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing
Good old Shakespeare, with his polysemous phrases. This quote describes how I tend to feel in February.
My mood is so affected by the winter weather, particularly after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Years. On top of just feeling low, I tend to lack motivation....(hello, mountain of laundry I've been putting off folding for a few days.)
Do you find yourself a little down right now too? Here are 7 Natural Remedies that help me to get through SAD. I hope they can help you too!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, if you are really struggling with SAD please seek out a medical professional.
1.) Supplement with Vitamin D
According to current NHS guidelines, everyone in the UK is advised to take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter months, when we cannot make vitamin D from sunlight.
I tend to use vitamin D patches when I'm really feeling icky, as absorbing it topically seems to be more effective for me.
Otherwise, I will just do my daily supplement. I have been loving the Better You spray vitamin D lately. When you're not a fan of swallowing pills, they are a dream come true!
It is really important to take magnesium supplements when taking vitamin D, as magnesium is essential for the metabolism of vitamin D.
2. Use an SAD Lamp
I got one for Christmas this year and I'm now wondering how I survived winter without one! It's placed in our home near where I sit to enjoy my tea or read to the children.
In the morning it goes on a bright setting to mimic the (usually) non existent sun. During the evenings I lower the brightness.
It's great for those days when there is no sun outside, to trick your eyes into seeing sunlight. I think it really does help!
3.Get Some Fresh Air
Okay, I know there is no sun, but I promise you will feel immensely better just breathing in some outside air.
Although a walk and actually spending time outdoors is ideal for mental health, sometimes it's just not always possible. Easy solution, open the door/window for a few minutes in the morning, it clears the mind and lets in some much needed fresh air!
Or if you've got time and the means, have your usual morning tea in the garden and see if you can catch the sun!
4.Drink Herbal Teas for Anxiety
Some herbal teas can aide in managing the anxiety that may come along with SAD. Besides, is there anything more comforting than a warm cup of tea on a cold winter's day?
Some of my favourite herbal teas for reducing anxiety are: chamomile, valerian, and lemon balm.
Lavender Earl Grey Latte anyone? Stay tuned for my recipe coming out soon. Lavender can help to induce sleep, ease stress and relieve depression.
5. Take a Bath
Just do it, need I say why? No, but really, bathing is my go to when I need a mood booster.
I always use a good quality Epsom salt when I bathe. Epsom salts allow your body to absorb magnesium and sulphate, which can help to relieve aching muscles and aide in sleep.
Salts also help your body to detox, which is so important especially after maintaining a low nutrient/high sugar holiday diet!
6. Declutter your Space
Clean your space, clear your mind.
With the influx of household goods we accumulate over Christmas, a good decluttering session is necessary to function in my opinion.
I feel so much better mentally when my surfaces are clear of clutter. Even hidden areas make a difference, especially if it's a place that is used every day.
It can really affect how smoothly day to day life goes which, in turn, lifts the spirit.
7. Take Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha can aide in relieving stress, aiding sleep, and can increase energy levels and concentration. It has been used in India for about 5,000 years for a wide range of conditions such as constipation, rheumatism, inflamed joints, insomnia and hormone imbalances.
There are many different ways to take Ashwagandha, it comes in capsules, gummies, and tablets. Ahswagandha powder can be mixed in smoothies or a drink.
Consult a medical professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any medications before taking herbal supplements.
8. Focus on your Nutrition
There is definitely some truth in the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away".
Not only does a nutritious diet help physical health, which in turn can help your mental health, but it also helps gut and brain health thus leading to a happier mental state overall.
Gut and Physiology Syndrome by Dr Natasha Campbell McBride, M.D is an interesting book to read if you'd like to find out more about how diet can affect mental health.
I do not follow the GAPS diet strictly but I do try and follow a Nourishing Traditions diet, by Sally Fallon, which works better with my busy family lifestyle at the moment.
There are changes I have made to my diet over the years which I believe have made a difference in the severity of SAD.
I have found when I can't find myself getting into the swing of diets just some simple changes can help such as: staying away from refined sugar; pre packaged foods; and carbs can really help to lift my mood. While adding more animal fats, protein, and a rainbow of fruit and vegetables.
See my blog post about some simple pantry swaps that can help to kick refined sugar out the door!
