Why is it that some of us start to feel ‘down’ when the end of September comes around? When dark nights start at tea-time and we feel we want to hibernate.
There’s
a condition, which is now recognised by the medical profession, which is called
S.A.D. – Seasonal Affective Disorder or Seasonal Adjustment Disorder – it is
also called the ‘Winter Blues’. And it
occurs when there is a shortage of daylight,
and some say it’s a shortage of sunshine, whichever it is it has a
detrimental effect on our serotonin levels – our ‘feeling of well being’. When our serotonin dips, we feel down or
depressed, lethargic, can’t seem to get
enough sleep, don’t want to go out,
don’t want to move about.
In
fact, it’s recognised now that there are some people who do get
depressed in the winter-time, and if this ‘depression’ occurs on a regular
basis and the pattern is recognised as being connected to the autumn/ winter
time then they could be classed as S.A.D. people. And, as in most it’s not only the sufferer who is affected, for
their family, spouse, and friends also have to deal with the consequences too.
So what can we do about being S.A.D? Well, medical intervention can be sought, in fact if this situation has not occurred before, then it might well be a one off case of depression, feeling down. However, if it has occurred regularly - each winter over a number of years, then there is a good possibility, according to research that it is S.A.D. And, if you don’t wish to go down medical route, then there is always the Complementary Therapies route.
So,
if you are interested in the Complementary Therapies route, let’s just see what
we can do for ourselves – that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
1.Colour
Therapy suggests that the colour orange is very good to
raise energy levels, is a positive and uplifting colour – why not wear
something orange a scarf or gloves, gents orange ties, ear-rings (carnelian or
red jasper), even orange-coloured bracelets (beaded or otherwise). And if you are not in to wearing colours,
how about eating off brightly coloured plates, using orange
coffee/tea mugs, have an orange pencil box on
your desk., having an orange plant pot for that favourite pot plant, or an
orange cushion on your chair and even having a bowl of oranges within view can
help
2.
Talking of crystals and gemstones, why not have some garnet,
jade, lapis lazuli, selenite, orange calcite or even a yellow stone near where
you work – there are superb choices about now as hanging crystals, ornaments or
even tumbled gems – you could have them on your computer, or simply as an
ornament nearby
3. And what about aromatherapy –orange
essence is good for you? Burn a few
drops of orange essence, ylang ylang and frankincense in a water burner when
you get home from work – it’ll lift your mood
4. Or have an orange gel air freshner in the
room or office
5. Pamper yourself and mix some Orange and Neroli essential oils in
carrier oil and use it to rub on your hands after you’ve washed them.
6. You can always add a few drops of Lavender to
you bath water too
7. Simply tap those anxious feelings
away by tapping (1) under your eye (on the boney bit of your eye bone), (2)
just under your collar bone (on either side of your breast bone) and (3) under
your arm on the side of your body (about a hands-width below your armpit). And all you do is take in one deep breath
whilst you’re tapping each point. Try
this for a couple of minutes and see how different you feel.
8.
Alternatively you could use Creative
Visualisation – just imagine yourself bathed in sunshine, on a wonderful
holiday soaking up the glorious daylight and warm, golden sunshine, feel that
warmth on your body, smell the beautiful clean air, listen to those birds
singing
9.
We often binge eat on comfort foods in the
winter if we’re not careful, so if you have sweet food cravings (because of low
serotonin) then have some fruit or vegetables to hand (peaches, apricots,
oranges, carrots)
10. Do cut down on cigarettes and alcohol too as
they can deplete vital vitamin stores
11. And you could always practice deep
breathing – try Belly Button Breathing – just imagine a piece of
string is attached to your belly button or navel, and this string is about
10inches (25cms) long. And all you have
to do is to imagine holding this piece of string at the free end and gently
pull it away from your body, feeling your stomach area coming out with it, and
as your stomach extends you’re automatically taking a deep breath in. Now isn’t ‘pulling your string’ a lot
better than having someone tell you to “take a deep breath”?
12. And there’s St John’s Wort which is called
the ‘sunshine herb’ – however if you’re on medication, best speak with
your GP first
13. Or get out during the day-time for a 20minute
walk – preferably in natural surroundings
14. And if you aren’t 100% convinced by
Complementary Therapies you can always buy a ‘daylight-simulator’ lightbox
So there’s just
a few ways that you can help yourself to begin to counteract the effects of
S.A.D. And you don’t need to use all of
them – just use two suggestions daily until symptoms subside.
If you want to know more, or speak with me, you can contact me as follows:
Christina Elvin of Christina Elvin Consultancy
Tel: +44(0)1604 768343 Fax: +44(0)1604 706609 Mobile: 07799
390022
Email: Christina@emofree.biz
Webs: www.create-the-reality.com www.emofree.biz
www.C2T2.co.uk