Beat The Winter Blues

I hesitate to say that Winter is actually here since the weather has been anything but predictable for January. However, with the grey skies and snow yesterday, this post seemed appropriate.

Many Americans in the northern states are affected by seasonal affective disorder (also referred to as the winter blues). What can you do to stave off the winter blues?

1) Exercise. Get up and move! Regular exercise has been proven to improve your mood. Incorporate it into your routine. Even if you start slow- twice a week is better than zero times a week.

2) Yoga. The deep breathing is helpful for fighting depression. Why? Taking slow, deep, relaxing breaths stimulates the vagus nerve, which is responsible for counteracting the stress response.

3) Coffee. Studies have found that women who drink four cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of depression than those who drank less. Studies can't prove that coffee (caffeine) causes a better mood. It can only show correlation. Since there is more evidence supporting the benefits of coffee than the contrary- go ahead have another cup!

4) Supplements. Omega 3's and vitamin D3 are good mood boosters not to mention their other health benefits. Be sure to consult the local supplement store (there are a few to choose from) since all supplements are not created equally and ingredients vary. Interestingly, most "Michiganders" are vitamin D deficient.

5) Light Therapy. Light boxes are proven to treat seasonal affective disorder and can be purchased with out a prescription. The light from light boxes mimic outdoor light and are generally used for 30 minutes or more every morning. Light boxes can be found at drugstores, internet retailers and even some hardware stores carry them.

6) Massage Therapy. Massage decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increases levels of serotonin (the "feel good" brain chemical).