This time of year can be tough. The days short, the nights long and in many areas of the country, it’s simply too cold to spend time outside.
Our modern lifestyles also run counter to the cycle of nature. The rhythm of winter, a time to draw inward and rest, is trumped by messages quietly nudging us to do more, especially this time of year.
This friction between attuning ourselves to the rhythm of winter and our ever mounting do-to lists, coupled with cold days and lack of sunlight can take a toll on our overall mood and wellbeing.
If you’re feeling a bit down time of year, read on for five ways you may be able to post your mood naturally.
Food, lifestyle and mood are interconnected. More and more research is showing the need for an integrative approach for the treatment of anxiety and depression and that lifestyle modifications should be a routine part of treatment and preventative efforts.
With that said, sometimes adjusting your diet and lifestyle alone is not enough and medication and psychological support are also needed.
Wellness doesn’t have to be back and white. Sometimes we need medication to dig ourselves out of a hole too big to get ourselves out of naturally. Other times we need food and lifestyle changes to supplement our medication treatments.
When we step out of living our life with an “this or that” approach and look through a more collaborative lens, a whole new path to wellness awakens.
5 Food and Lifestyle Ways to Boost Your Mood
- Omega 3s: Some studies in adults suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil that the body converts to DHA. There are several theories has to how this works, but studies show that in depressed patients a dietary supplement of omega-3 fatty acids that contain EPA can help stimulate mood elevation.
- Probiotics: Our brain and our gut are linked. In fact, 95% of serotonin originates from our gastrointestinal tract. Imbalances in our gut bacteria can cause brain fog, depression, mood swings and anxiety. (You can read more about the gut brain connection here). The more the “gut brain” connection is studied, the more we are starting to see evidence showing probiotics can help alleviate depressive symptoms.For probiotics, I like The Ultimate Probiotic from SilverFern Brand. Their probiotics are lab tested to guarantee to contain the strains that will survive throughout your gut and restore the growth of good microbes to your flora.
- Exercise: For many, there is no better method to regulate mood than regular exercise. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a daily workout for improving emotional health and boosting self confidence. For an added benefit, take your workout outdoors, even in the cold. Being in nature and exposure to vitamin D can also help improve your mood.
- Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 helps the body make several neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Low levels of vitamin B6 may be linked to depression.
- Seek professional help: Find a psychotherapist, mental health professional or energy worker who can help you explore the areas of your life that maybe contributing to you feeling depressed and anxious.
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