#559 Afternoon warmth with Alexis






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 Shabby
Sweater – Zenith Spring Sweater – Dark Milk (New) @ Shiny Shabby