Turn that Frown Upside Down!
When the weather is gloomy, cold and dismal, our moods slump and we feel a bit down and beating seasonal depression can be difficult. However, in some people these mood shifts develop into a type of depression that accompanies seasonal changes and affects their ability to function normally.
The checklist of symptoms includes:
Change in appetite, especially a craving for sweets or starches
Weight gain
Fatigue Tendency to oversleep
Difficulty in concentrating
Irritability/anxiety
Avoidance of social situations
Increased sensitivity to social rejection
***If you are feeling any of these symptoms then you should read the following and incorporate it into your daily life. I promise you will get positive results!
Turn that frown upside down by doing the following:
Body functions affect mood -- Fluctuating sugar levels Our sugar levels play a significant part in mood swings. The culprits are refined carbohydrate foods like most bread, pastries and flaked breakfast cereals which are over-refined, full of sugar and salt, with little substance or fiber. The trick to keep our sugar levels even all day is to eat slow-release foods for breakfast like oats, nuts and seeds for good energy and mood right through till lunch, then add some beans or whole grains to your lunch to last the afternoon. A big breakfast and lunch can do wonders to our mood and dealing with stress by buffering the effects of our stress hormones.
The liver plays an important part in mood.The liver’s role is to eliminate toxins, process and clear chemicals that your body no longer needs ( hormones) and regulate blood sugar levels.
Viruses can bring you down, not just because you feel ill, but at an emotional mood level too.
Digestion - A large proportion of the neurotransmitter serotonin is made in the gut. A well-balanced digestive system optimally absorbs all the necessary nutrients available and eliminates unnecessary products effectively.
Sleep is crucial to a positive outlook and perspective, as well as body repair. So is quality dreaming time, to allow you to process the issues and feelings you deal with in your waking world. Especially make sure to nourish yourself with good sleep and dreaming time in winter.
Exercise - Get some fresh air! Exercise is one the most effective ways to combat depression and fatigue. 30 minutes a day will do wonders for your body and your mind!
HEALTHY EATING:
• Eat more slow-release foods like beans & wholegrain to keep blood sugar levels even and feel nourished.
• Eat a filling breakfast & lunch for good mood and energy and avoid hunger and snacking, and eat a lighter evening meal or smaller portions.
Supplements and vitamins
Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, EFA's (essential fatty acids) Folic Acid, Maganesium!
Herbs
*Borage Oil
*Chamomile
*Cayenne
*Cocoa
*Dandelion
*Siberian Ginseng
*Ginkgo Biloba
*Lavender
*Lemon Balm
*Milk thistle
*Mugwort
*Nettle Leaf
*Oregano
*Rosemary
*Shiitake Mushrooms
*St. John’s Wort
*Turmeric
Aromatherapy
*Spruce, Black
*Frankincense
*Fragonia
*Bergamot
*Lavender
*Ylang,Ylang
*Sweet Orange
Try some of these blends in your diffuser or experiment with your own combinations:
Turn Your Frown Upside Down: Blend 3 drops sweet orange 2 drops lemon 2 drops grapefruit
Don't Worry Be Happy: Blend 2 drops ginger 3 drops sweet orange
Rainbow Brite : Blend 3 drops bergamot 1 drop ylang ylang 1 drop clary sage
