6 Ways to Improve the Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, Naturally

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during fall and winter when people are exposed to less sunlight than usual. This type of depression is temporary and generally gets better with the onset of spring and its longer days.

The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder vary from person to person, but may include:

• Depression
• Gloominess
• Fatigue
• Low energy or lethargy
• Changes in appetite, especially a desire to eat more carbohydrates than usual
• Changes in sleeping patterns, generally too much or too little
• Changes in concentration and focus
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Weight gain

Spring and Summer SAD

Although most people who experience SAD will notice their symptoms during the fall and winter months, some people may develop seasonal affective disorder during the spring and summer. The symptoms of spring and summer SAD are a little different, and may include:

• Agitation
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Anxiety
• Weight loss

Just like fall and winter SAD, the symptoms of spring and summer SAD are temporary and generally go away with the changing of the seasons.

6 Ways to Improve the Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, Naturally

Whether you have spring or summer SAD, many people can experience an improvement in symptoms with antidepressants. However, there are several things you can do at home to improve the symptoms of SAD without medication.

1. Eat Mood-Boosting Foods

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘You are what you eat’, and it’s true – incorporating mood-boosting foods into your diet can help improve the symptoms of SAD. Avoid processed and overly fatty foods, as these can make your symptoms worse.

Our top mood-boosting foods include:

• Dark chocolate
• Blueberries
• Avocado
• Nuts
• Green tea
• Bananas
• Coconut
• Salmon

2. Don’t overindulge in alcohol

A glass of wine can be beneficial in helping you unwind and temporarily feel better from the symptoms of SAD, but overindulgence can make you feel far worse later.

Alcohol is a natural depressant, meaning that it can naturally cause “neuropsychological and metabolic changes” that can contribute to the onset of depression. For people with seasonal affective disorder, alcohol use can make symptoms worse.

3. Exercise

Exercise, like sleep, is an essential part of staying healthy year-round, impacting everything from your heart health to your mood. Exercise is a great way to combat the symptoms of SAD. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, hormones that naturally lift your mood.

On top of that, exercise can help you maintain your weight and support your energy levels, both of which can contribute to a general feeling of wellbeing.

4. Light therapy

Light therapy is a type of alternative treatment that simulates the natural wavelengths of light indoors to compensate for the shorter days outside. These setups are generally small ‘boxes’ that sit on your desk or a table. The recommended amount of time they should be on varies from company to company, as there are a myriad of wattages and types of bulbs. Make sure to read the instructions prior to use and experiment to find the best setting for you.

5. Get enough sleep

SAD can have a big impact on your normal sleep cycle. Some people may find that getting enough sleep isn’t a problem because they are sleeping too much. Other people may find it almost impossible to get a full night of shut-eye. Staying as close to your normal sleep cycle as possible can help support your mood as well as your alertness.

If you are sleeping too much, try setting an alarm – or two – to help prevent yourself from oversleeping.
If you are sleeping too little, don’t lay in bed awake for longer than 20 minutes. Get up, go to another room, and do something else until you get sleepy, then try to go to sleep again.

6. Try a Myer’s Cocktail IV

The Myer’s Cocktail IV is a true original. This IV has the distinction of being the first IV formula, created by Dr. John Myer, a Baltimore physician. He used his IV treatment to improve the symptoms of a broad range of conditions, and we use the same formula today to promote full-body wellness. The Myer’s Cocktail IV can improve the symptoms of many types of conditions, including depression and anxiety, fatigue, migraines, and more.

This IV formula contains a combination of B and C vitamins, plus magnesium. Vitamins B and C in this study improved participants’ mood and workplace performance. Vitamin B12 supplementation in another study improved the symptoms of depression in participants. Magnesium, meanwhile, is known to improve the symptoms of depression by correcting deficits of this mineral in neuronal channels.

Our Myer’s Cocktail IV includes:

• IV Fluids: A sterile saline solution that delivers nutrients directly into your bloodstream, rehydrates your body, and ensures 100% absorption.
• Vitamin B12: A B-Complex vitamin associated with preventing improving mood, combating depression, improving concentration, as well as boosting energy levels.
• High Dose Vitamin C: A concentrated dose of vitamin C to supercharge your immune system and help your body flush out free radicals and other toxins that contribute to a low mood. Vitamin C plays many essential roles throughout your body, helping to maintain everything from your circulatory system to your bones. This vitamin also plays a large role in combating the symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood, and more.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions throughout your body and plays a large role in regulating the normal, healthy function of your body on a day to day basis, including your mood.

In addition to these ingredients, Drip Hydration offers add-ons such as anti-inflammatory medication, extra B12 or B complex shots, or magnesium, to name a few. These add-ons can help address any specific ailments or health goals you have.