What
would be the earliest memory you have of winter? Is it now? Was it like me
several months ago and wishing it would return? Was it the silence that
descended upon night when you sought a warm spot under the blanket, Was it a
white Christmas for you or Rainy and freezing cold? That your tip of your nose,
numbing fingers and chattering teeth, Feet that refused to get warm under
layers of blankets? Is that your winter?
For me
winter is bliss, it is the slow warmth of the sun hitting you with temps around
(12.c at its lowest to highs of 18’c. – 64 f). Unlike my UK and American
friends, winter in Australia is really like your autumn. The one thing that
‘Aussie’ people never suffer from is lack of Vitamin D. I have heard of a recent disorder which
affects people when they are low in Vitamin D, and it is called “Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD)”. Seriously this is a
disease. It affects the person like a
type of depression that impacts millions of people each year. It generally
kicks in as the hours of daylight get shorter and can last till early spring. Apparently, 60-90% of folks with SAD are
women. Guys certainly aren’t immune but us gals seem to struggle with it more.
The symptoms can be struggling with fatigue, moodiness. Don’t want to get out
of bed, etc etc.
If you
suspect that you suffer from seasonal depression, I thought I would share with
you four tips to helping you get through the winter months.
1. Make sure you’re taking vitamin D.
In
addition to depression, a vitamin D deficiency is linked to many cancers, high
blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases and
bone loss and sigh the list goes on. Though none of us like going to the
doctor, now is a good time to get your levels tested. If possible, consult a knowledgeable physician
who understands your needs.
2. Up your omega-3 intake.
Omega-3’s
can help maintain healthy levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin
(the feel good neurotransmitters) that increase happiness and reduce symptoms
of depression. Vegan sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, hemp and nuts, as I munch
on some nuts while I’m typing. :D
3. Get Aerobic exercise and get outside.
Exercise
not only improves our mood but it also reduces anxiety and stress, both of
which can worsen depression. Take a brisk walk outside; invest in some warm
winter workout clothes. Yes I know it is
cold and I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to walk in 13ft snow, but
what a workout it would be after 10 mins. Exposure to outdoor light is still
important so try to get outside daily for at least 10 minutes.
4. Sleep.
Create
and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Don’t miss your 8 hours of zzz’s and
don’t over sleep like a teenager either. Get your cute, fully-rested ass out of
bed and carpe diem: D
Wearing
the gorgeous new hair from Entwined called “Alexis” with the lovely new spring
sweater from Zenith in a dark milk colour, and the divine new skin from Ys and
Ys in Tone 02, all of these items can be found at our destination for today.
Destination:
-Shiny Shabby (Open Now!!)
Hair: - Entwined Hair - Alexis– (New) @
Shiny Shabby
Skin – Ys and Ys Skin called ‘Paige’
- Tone 02 Skin Applier (New) @ Shiny ShabbySweater – Zenith Spring Sweater – Dark Milk (New) @ Shiny Shabby
