This is the real deal and something that I struggle with every year. I wanted to share with you a little information about (SAD) and give you some tips and tricks that I use that help me immensely!

Life naturally slows down in winter. The days grow shorter, light becomes scarce, and some of us can start to feel a bit depressed. How do you know when a seasonal slump is a more serious problem? You are unfocused, are tired all the time, have no energy or drive to do a damn thing, can’t sleep, have no real appetite, can’t seem to get excited about anything….the list can continue.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a category of depression that emerges in particular seasons of the year. Most people notice SAD symptoms starting in the fall and increasing during the winter months, but a few people experience a spring/summer version. It always affects me during Daylight Savings time when it starts getting dark very early. Persons with seasonal affective disorder experience the symptoms at a particular time of year. With the changing of seasons, their depression goes into remission. (Always my favorite time of year).

Researchers have yet to uncover the specific cause for SAD. They do know however, that several factors are at play. The reduction in sunlight in winter can throw your biological clock out of whack and reduce levels of serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates your mood) and melatonin (a chemical which regulates sleep and mood).

Now for the good news!!!! I want to share some tips and tricks with you to assist you in kicking SAD’S ass! I will bullet point them to make them simple to grasp. You also can always reach out to me and ask any questions you may have. So let’s get this list started:

• I highly encourage a Vitamin D supplement during this time.

• Try and ground yourself every morning. I get my feet in the grass the minute I wake up and envision healing energy coming up through the grass and giving me strength.

• If possible, every chance you get, go outside for some fresh air. Even if that means just little breaks here and there. I know many of you may work in an office. Step away every 30 minutes and go outside and take a deep breath. As you exhale, imagine you releasing your sadness.

• EXERCISE! Trust me, I know when we feel depressed, this is hard to do, HOWEVER it is imperative to help you release feel good endorphins.

• Shower in the morning. I know how funny that sounds. There is something to be said in taking a warm and comforting shower first thing in the day. I often do envisioning exercises and in the shower is definitively where I do one. I picture the warm water washing away my sadness and watch those emotions literally go down the drain.

• If you don’t have a diffuser, I encourage you to get one and USE IT! Find a favorite essential oil that you love the smell of and diffuse that throughout the day!

• I am a holistic healer and in my practice crystal healing plays a HUGE part in my health and wellness. I could write a WHOLE different blog on this. I always have crystals on me and I make sure some of my powerhouse ones are touching my skin. (Yes, most of them are in my bra.) My favorites for this time of year that work for me are Carnelian, Selenite, Sunstone, Citrine, and Apache Tear.

• Leave yourself love notes on your bathroom mirror. Yep, I said it. Love notes. I get bright yellow or orange post it notes and write self love messages. “You are beautiful” “You are smart” “You are a hard worker” “You are a great cook”. Well you get the idea! This is extremely empowering.

Planning a healthier lifestyle is never a bad idea. However, don’t beat yourself up if your symptoms don’t improve right away. Do not push them to the the side as the seasonal blues and simply hunker down until spring. Asking for help is a sign of strength and movement towards a better version of yourself. Trust me when I tell you that you can start managing seasonal affective disorder today and live a healthier life in every season. In lightness and in darkness.

Much love and LIGHT to you!

Gibu Alu,

Traci