Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression, sharing similar symptoms which include low energy, loss of interest, oversleeping, and brain fog. Unlike clinical depression, SAD occurs on a seasonal basis, with many cases beginning in the fall or winter and ending in the spring. Scientists believe this is due to hormonal changes in the brain as a response to decreased exposure to daylight.
SAD is extremely common, with an estimated 10 million people affected in the United States. In most cases, symptoms will improve naturally with time as the seasons change. However, seeking treatment can help symptoms improve faster or manage severe symptoms. With that said, one of the best ways to treat SAD naturally is via infrared exercise.
How Does Infrared Exercise Help With SAD?
Light therapy is already well-established as an effective treatment for SAD. A typical light treatment would involve sitting in front of a light box for 20 minutes a day. This type of therapy works by increasing your overall exposure to light to stabilize dopamine levels in the brain.
Infrared therapy takes this idea a step further by using a specific type of light with a shorter wavelength. The shorter wave structure allows the light to penetrate deeper under the top layers of skin, which increases circulation and relaxes muscles. This has a natural, mood-boosting effect that can be doubled with the addition of exercise. Studies show that exercise releases endorphins and growth factors for improved brain function, contributing to an improved sense of physical and mental well-being. Therefore, engaging in infrared exercise can use your body’s natural chemistry to beat the winter blues.
Other Ways to Manage Symptoms of SAD
Maintain Social Connections
Seasonal depression might make you want to withdraw and isolate yourself, but communicating regularly with your friends and family is one of the best ways to keep symptoms at bay. Your friends and family should also be aware of how the changing seasons affect you so they can provide the support you need.
Increase Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D is important for hormone production, and your body creates it naturally when you’re exposed to sunlight. With less daylight hours during the colder months, your body experiences a deficiency in vitamin D, leading to depression symptoms. To curb this deficiency, you can increase your intake through supplements or vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms, and fortified orange juice.
Prioritize Self-Care
When depression takes hold, it can be hard to take adequate care of yourself. Don’t underestimate the power of a hot shower, fresh pedicure, or full night’s rest for keeping your spirits lifted. These self-care rituals may seem small, but they can protect you from negative symptoms of depression, chronic stress, and even heart disease.
Talk to Your Doctor
Fortunately, SAD tends to improve with warmer weather, and it’s normal to encounter occasional bouts of sadness. If you struggle with SAD symptoms for multiple days in a row or need additional support, talk to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes or medications that can help.
