Feeling Like A Scrooge? THIS Can Help
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 18, 2022
While everyone is running around, making the season merry and bright, you feel more like crawling back under the covers.
Gift shopping, trimming the tree, and holiday parties don’t bring you joy. In fact, they send your anxiety soaring.
And, if you’re being honest, all the smells, bells, and good cheer make you feel downright irritable.
Don’t worry… you’re NOT a Scrooge.
And it’s NOT your fault, either. There’s a REASON you feel this way…
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression often referred to as “the winter blues.” It’s triggered by seasonal changes and typically starts in the late fall when there’s less daylight.
When you have SAD right about the time everyone else starts celebrating the holidays, the LAST thing you feel like doing is rejoicing. Dropping vitamin D, melatonin, and serotonin levels are likely to blame.
Common SAD symptoms include a low mood, loss of interest in activities, irritability, despair, fatigue, stress, low self-esteem, and tearfulness.
It can feel like you’re all alone when you battle the winter blues. But I can assure you, you’re not. In fact, it’s estimated that more than three million folks suffer from SAD every year. And my guess is that even THAT estimate is far too low.
Luckily, you CAN fight back. Start now, and you may even feel a bit of Christmas cheer before the big day arrives.
Step outside. A lack of sunlight and low vitamin D is part of what triggers SAD in the first place. So you can fight back by exposing yourself to as much sunlight as possible. Bundle up and head outdoors in the morning after the sun is up for at least 20 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks a bit gray or cloudy. The sun’s rays are still doing their job.
Let there be light. If weather or circumstances keep you indoors, you can opt for some artificial sunlight. There are full-spectrum indoor lightboxes and bulbs that mimic outdoor light. Sitting in front of one for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning is a good substitute for sunshine when the real deal isn’t possible.
Move more. I get it. It can be tough to get motivated to exercise in the winter. But moving your body releases natural endorphins and can help lift the seasonal fog from your brain and boost your mood. You can even combine your outdoor sun exposure time with exercise by taking a brisk walk.
Slash the sugar. Sugar is tricky. It fools you into thinking it’s energizing when, in fact, it drains you in the end. You get a brief sugar rush when you pop that cookie into your mouth. But that’s inevitably followed by a hard crash. And when you’re already battling SAD-linked fatigue, that can hit you especially hard. Ditch the added sugars. Focus instead on eating plenty of good proteins and healthy fats to help you keep your energy up.
Volunteer. Studies show that helping others is a natural mood booster. It distracts you from your own problems and builds self-esteem when you see the impact your actions have.
Treat yourself. I don’t suggest shopping therapy in general. But when you’re struggling with the winter blues bringing something special into your home can really boost your mood. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. You just need to love it. Maybe it’s some new music, fresh flowers, a new wall color, or a beautiful plant. You get to decide what it is that will bring you a bit of joy.
Change the scenery. Not everyone can head out to the Bahamas when the cold weather hits. But most people can find some nearby destination to drag them out of the everyday drudgery. You don’t even have to spend the night. A day trip to a fun location counts too.
P.S. A cup of THIS delicious drink could be just the ticket to beat back the all-too-common winter blues.
Source:
“Seasonal Affective Disorder,” National Institute Of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...
Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...
Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It
Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....
Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal
Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...
Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple
Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....
Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom
From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...
The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory
Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...
Mailbag: The "Natural Navigator" Method for Finding Your Perfect Doctor
“I would like to know what questions are the best to ask when looking for a new naturopathic practitioner? How do I find the best naturopathic endocrinologist for my needs? Is it OK to see your naturopath virtually?” —Natural Navigator Hi Navigator, You’re asking some brilliant questions about finding the right naturopath (or, really, any...