Are You Feeling The Winter Blues?

It is no myth that seasonal changes can cause a low-mood, for many the winter months bring on a felt sense of having low energy, being tired or irritable, you may notice a change in your appetite and find it difficult to kick-start your day.

This is known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and while the exact causes remain somewhat unknown, it is likely triggered by a decrease in natural sunlight, and the impact is significant:

Serotonin (neurotransmitter) levels drop as a result of reduced sunlight.

Melatonin, a hormone which regulates wakefulness may also be disrupted.

This cocktail of events has the potential to become harmful, leave you feeling withdrawn, anxious or depressed, and preventing you from functioning as you normally would.

So what can be done? Did you know that natural winter sunlight is at least ten times brighter and therefore more beneficial compared to artificial light?

You can help strengthen your mood by getting as much natural sunlight as possible

· Even a short lunchtime walk can help you beat those winter blues

· When inside, try to sit near a window, keep your internal spaces light and airy

· Exercise and a healthy diet can also help strengthen your wellbeing

Seek help from a qualified professional if you continue to experience low mood or depression.