December 13, 2024 “Are you being a GRINCH?”
“I haven’t been feeling myself lately and I don’t know why. I can’t seem to get motivated; mornings are the hardest, it takes everything to get out of bed. I cry for no reason; I lack energy no matter what I try. I feel stressed out, but I don’t have any reason to be stressed. I mean it’s the holiday season and I feel so blah, I just can’t seem to get out of this funk, some of my friends and co-workers are calling me the Grinch. I find myself being irritated easily and snapping at people, especially my kids, for no reason. What is wrong with me am I going crazy?”
Lately, more of my conversations with clients and friends are like this. Does this sound like you? Well, I’m here to tell you, that you are not alone. You’re probably just S.A.D.
S.A.D. stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of DEPRESSION that occurs at certain times of the year, usually in the fall and winter when there is less natural sunlight. People with S.A.D. may experience low energy, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness. The condition is also thought to be related to changes in light exposure. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of S.A.D., it's important to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may vary from person to person. They include, but are not limited to, fatigue, depression, hopelessness, social withdrawal, low energy, lack of concentration, insomnia, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in your appetite or weight, and having frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
Treatment:
Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you must tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year. Treatments can include light therapy (phototherapy) which can consist of purchasing simple lights to have in your home or at work or Psychotherapy, talking to a professional, there is nothing wrong with opening up to someone. Remember, it's important to take care of your mental health!
How Tadda’s Fitness can help treat you:
· Sunlight affects the brain's serotoninergic activity and lack of sunlight results in decreases in serotonin. Exercise has been proven to increase serotonin levels, helping to put you in a happier mood. Join one of TFC's fitness programs, we have something for all ages and fitness levels. TFC offers group fitness with bootcamp and classes, if you are not a group person, we offer personal training as well as an open gym where you can exercise on your own.
· Due to decreased daylight, we are exposed to less Vitamin D from the sun which in turn can cause vitamin D3 deficiency. S.A.D is prevalent when vitamin D stores are typically low. Because of the increased melanin in our skin, African Americans or brown people are more prone to this vitamin deficiency. You can purchase a bottle of Vitamin D3 in our store or online or for quicker results get a Vitamin D3 injection offered at TFC or speak with Nurse Tadda if your levels are severely low so she can put you on a shot regimen.
· Get some fresh air? Clients often ask why we need to go outside during the winter since it is so cold. Seasonal changes often disrupt routines and activities, which can affect mood and motivation. Cold weather might keep you indoors more, leading to feelings of loneliness or isolation. The more oxygen you get into your body the better you feel, and the better your muscles work, our Oxygen Bar especially the mental clarity or eucalyptus aromas are also highly beneficial, to increase oxygen levels.
· Low levels of Vitamin B12 are associated with depression. S.A.D. can become more prominent in those with decreased levels of Vitamin B12. TFC offers 4 different variations on the Vitamin B12 shot, come get yours today and feel better tomorrow or if you are anything like me you will feel better in a matter of moments.
· Stress aggravates depression symptoms and exhausts your body. Following the TFC meal plan and being sure to include colors in your diet, such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries may help decrease the release of cortisol, a hormone that is released during stressful situations. Limit your sugar intake, the crash after a sugar high can make you feel worse.
Between 4 and 6 percent of people in the US suffer from SAD. Another 10 to 20 percent experience a milder form of winter-onset SAD. You can gain control of this mood changer, by moving a little more, getting out in the sun, consuming the right supplements, and eating a little better. These are just some of the ways you can turn your frown upside down and go from SAD to GLAD. No Mess!
