Don't Feel SAD This Autumn This Autumn
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t’s that time of year when the nights and mornings are getting darker and the temperature is getting cooler. For some, thoughts of warm clothes, bonfires, falling leaves and nights by the fire fill them with joy. For some, the change of the season brings along feelings of depression, most commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here are some of our tips to help alleviate the feelings of SAD:
Try to Exercise
Even though you may not feel like it, taking a walk, going for a swim or hitting the gym will help as it releases endorphins. You’ll feel so much better for getting out of the house!
Eat a Healthy & Balanced Diet
It’s easy to indulge in carbs and sweet treats when you’re feeling low, but try to swap these with plenty of vegetables and healthy stews. They’ll make you feel better all winter, and you won’t regret your healthy choices when spring comes around.
Socialise
Although you may dread the thought of leaving the house, let alone make plans, make an effort to meet up with friends and family for a coffee or maybe a walk (even a film night can help to boost your mood!)
Light Therapy
Some people find that light therapy improves their SAD symptoms. Here are a few products we have found that are suitable for both work and at home.
Warming Pumpkin Soup (Dairy Free & Vegan-Friendly) Prep: 10min Cook: 20min Ready in: 30min Serves: 1
1. Saute 1 chopped medium carrot and 1
chopped medium onion in 1½ tsp coconut oil or sunflower spread, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the carrot is soft. Remove from heat.
2. Combine 180ml of pumpkin puree, 180ml
of vegetable broth and 180ml of coconut milk into the mixture. Stir thoroughly and add ½ tsp of sea salt and ¼ tsp of ground ginger.
3. Let the soup cool and then blend on high
speed in a blender until very, very smooth (you can omit this step if desired, for a chunky soup). Bring back to the stove, boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve with a sprig of fresh coriander and a sprinkle of cracked black peppercorns.
Lucimed Luminetee from around £149
Therapy Lights from around £14
ProLite Lightbulbs from around £3.95
www.bluestreamacademy.com
Lumie Bodyclock from around £28.50
Desk Lamp
from around £14.92
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