At Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab, we believe that winter can be a wonderful time of the year – In fact, there’s a song about that!

Although you might be celebrating holidays and gathering with family during the colder months, there’s no getting around the fact that we get less sunlight during the colder months. For some individuals, this can trigger a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a psychosomatic condition in that it affects both the body and the mind. People who experience the effects of SAD often find that they feel depressed and moody during the colder months.

While SAD can be similar to other types of depression, the hallmark of the condition is that it comes and goes with the late fall and winter seasons. This is why the term “Winter Blues” exists.

Other symptoms of SAD may include:

  • Lethargy or tiredness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Minor aches and pains
  • Reduced libido

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?

According to Johns Hopkins, SAD is believed to be a direct result of the body receiving less sunlight during the winter months. In addition to the Earth tilting away from the sun during the winter, and thus receiving less powerful sunlight, many people spend time indoors during the winter to escape the cold.

Combine this with days getting shorter during the winter, and you’re bound to be exposed to less sunlight all season long.

The Role of Hormones in SAD

It’s believed that people who experience the effects of SAD do so because of how hormones react to light exposure. Melatonin, the famous sleep chemical, is a hormone produced when it gets dark out. During the winter months, more darkness may contribute to greater melatonin production and feelings of lethargy.

Some researchers also believe that sunlight is linked to the body’s production and processing of serotonin, another hormone responsible for feelings of well-being. With less sunlight exposure, the body may produce less serotonin and therefore begin to experience symptoms of depression.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, vitamin D may also play a part in the development of SAD. Your body produces vitamin D from sun exposure. Less sun exposure can mean less vitamin D production, and this can affect your immune system. To make matters worse, cold and flu season happens to coincide with the winter months, and that’s the wrong time to have your immune system taking a break.

How Can You Fight the Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Warding off the symptoms of SAD can be frustrating since we can’t make more natural sunlight. Thankfully, there are some things you can do during the colder months to ward off the “Winter Blues” and experience improved mood regulation.

Below are five tips to reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:

1.    Maintain Healthy Nutrition

Healthy nutrition is important all year long, but it can play a pivotal role in your overall well-being during the winter. When dealing with SAD, it can be easy to reach out for comfort foods to feel better, but this often involves eating unhealthy treats and snacks.

Instead, focus on eating healthy fruits and vegetables as these can help your body to produce Vitamin D. It’s also a good idea to limit seasonal sweets or alcoholic beverages, despite the holiday celebrations.

2.    Schedule VitaBed Full-Body Light Therapy

At Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab, we’ve seen incredible success stories unfold treating patients with our VitaBed full-body light therapy. This technology relies on near-infrared light that bathes your body in soothing, relaxing warmth.

According to Harvard, light therapy has been shown to have benefits for the body and mind, warding off the symptoms of SAD and helping to improve mood year-round. We offer VitaBed full-body light therapy at both our Waxhaw and Pineville locations, and this treatment is available all year long. We also offer memberships to help you keep your body in balance.

3.    Get Plenty of Exercise

Although our winters here in the Carolinas are fairly mild compared to other parts of the country, they can still make it difficult to get outside for regular exercise. Thankfully, you can still get plenty of healthy exercise by working out at home or by joining a gym.

The key is to keep excess weight down and maintain healthy blood flow. As mentioned above, winter often means indulging during holiday celebrations, but regular exercise can help fight off those extra pounds. If you’re not sure what exercises are best for you to maintain flexibility and mobility, our chiropractors will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and guidance.

4.    Maintain a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Sleep regulation is one of the problems that often affects people dealing with SAD. You can combat these issues by avoiding caffeine late in the day and staying away from alcohol and excess sugar. Exercise and a healthy diet can contribute to improved sleep during any season, but they’re especially beneficial when dealing with the effects of SAD.

5.    Talk With Your Doctor

You’re also encouraged to involve your doctor if you’re concerned about your health. While SAD is a seasonal disorder that goes away for most people after the winter is over, lingering feelings of depression may require additional therapeutic intervention.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Doesn’t Have to Make Life Miserable

SAD doesn’t have to hold you back from enjoying this winter and making memories with friends and loved ones. By taking some simple steps, you can reduce the symptoms of SAD and experience greater overall well-being.

Eat right, get healthy exercise and sleep, and turn to the chiropractors at Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab for VitaBed full-body light therapy to experience real results.

Say Goodbye to the Winter Blues – Schedule Your Appointment for VitaBed Full-Body Light Therapy

If you’re ready to kick the SAD to the curb this winter, schedule an appointment with Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab. We offer VitaBed full-body light therapy at both of our offices in Waxhaw and Pineville, and our chiropractic physicians can personalize a plan for your unique needs.

Schedule by phone by calling (704) 243-1010, or schedule an appointment on the web using our contact form right now!

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