During Winter the sun sets earlier and earlier, bringing colder darker evenings. With sunset at around 4pm and sunrise around 7.00am, the day may feel short and dark for some. With the changing seasons and clocks going backwards, our bodies can react negatively.
One impact of the changing sunrise and set times can be on your mental health.
If you feel low during the winter months and have a lack of energy this may be Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
Dr Preethi Daniel, clinical director at private GP chain, London Doctors Clinic told express.co.uk that SAD is common and can affect people from all walks of life.
She said: “As the days get darker, and the more you wake up before the sun even rises, you might start feeling a persistent low mood or lack of energy.
“You may be struggling to concentrate and it’s possible you may even find less pleasure in doing your usual activities.”
“These symptoms could mean you are suffering with SAD.”
What causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder is not fully understood, but often blamed on the lack of sunlight during autumn and winter months.
A lack of sunlight may affect the production of melanin, the production of serotonin and the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm.
All of these factors can impact your mental and physical health and leave you feeling depressed, sluggish and tired.
There are a few techniques for beating the seasonal blues according to Nutritionist Dora Walsh.
These are –
Eating Healthily
Although during winter its easiest to reach for the carbs and caffeine, eating healthily can do wonders for your body and mood.
Ms Walsh told express.co.uk: “Emotional or comfort eating is very common and is when people turn to food to make themselves feel better. Unfortunately, people commonly turn to unhealthy food to feed the habit.
“Sugar often makes you feel worse when you’re already feeling rubbish.
“This is because a sudden sugar spike in your bloodstream, which will boost your energy for a short while, will then drop, leaving you feeling more tired and irritable than before.
“When it feels like things aren’t going to plan, try reaching for a handful of raw nuts rather than the biscuit tin. By cutting out high sugar foods, and eating a healthy diet, it can help you balance your mood more easily.”
Keeping Active
Ms Walsh continued: “Exercise also releases chemicals in the brain linked to good mood, these are called dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
“Regularly moving your limbs can also help improve your appetite, digestion and aid with sleep.”
Stock up on Vitamin D
Whether its an extra walk outside on your lunch break, supplements or using a light therapy lamp, soaking up vitamin D is another way to beat the blues.
Vitamin D can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are linked to depression.
Seek Help
If the feeling of unhappiness isn’t shifting, don’t be afraid to seek help from a doctor.