Sometimes We Get SAD

‘Tis the Happy Holiday Szn! While many of us enjoy this time of year, it also the month with the shortest days with the least amount of sun. Sometimes, we get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Are you in the midst of it? Then break out your SAD lamp and try a few things to battle this chemical change in your brain:

1.       Get outside. See a ray of sun? Go bask! Bundle up and take a whiff of the fresh air. Walk around the park, your favorite holiday fest, or to a friend’s house. Boost that serotonin (the hormone that helps your sleep, appetite, digestion, and memory).

2.       Be social. Hug a friend. Surround yourself with laughter. That’ll get your oxytocin (the love hormone) and endorphins (the body’s natural pain reliever) working.

3.       Exercise more; doomscroll less. Working out doesn’t have to be strenuous. Get your dopamine (the reward hormone) through physical activity rather than through social media.

4.       Eat delicious food. All kinds of foods can trigger happy hormones, such as beans, eggs, low-fat meat, Thanksgiving turkey (!!!), spicy foods, and yogurt (anything with probiotics, really).

5.       Do LOTS of things you like and, perhaps, do something nice for someone else. Spread that holiday cheer!

Take advantage of this month’s activities and turn that frown upside down.