Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, affects 3 out of 100 people across the UK at some point in their lives.
SAD is defined as a form of depression caused by the change of seasons of the year. A/W SAD is usually attributed to colder months, longer nights, and shorter days. Symptoms include low mood, difficulty concentrating, feeling sluggish, disrupted sleep, and agitation. Some even said they had no appetite.
Here, Joan Gair at Housetastic.co.uk presents cost-effective changes you can make in-house to reduce the impact of SAD.
Illuminate
While the exact cause of SAD is not fully known, it is associated with reduced sunlight exposure during the shorter Fall and Winter months. Lack of sunlight reduces the amount of vitamin D your body produces, and studies have shown that it can regulate your mood. Joan Gair is from Housetastic.co.uk Advise.
Gair continues to “always keep curtains and blinds open to let in as much natural light as possible. If you are still working from home, moving your desk into brighter rooms will help regulate your mood.” If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural sunlight, invest in an artificial lighting system, such as SAD lights. Gair explains: “SAD lamps are warm lamps that simulate sunlight, which help treat Seasonal Psychosis. “They work by triggering the brain to release serotonin, thus helping to improve and regulate your mood.”
Color therapy
Indoor colors can have both positive and negative effects on your mood and health, so you should think about this before choosing specific colors. “While it’s impractical to recommend painting your room every season, it’s important to be mindful when choosing a color palette for each room,” explains Gair.
Different colors can affect our mood a lot. For example, although red is a warm color it is believed to increase blood pressure and irritability, while although blue has calming properties, certain shades can turn cold and icy. price, this may not be ideal for dealing with SAD. Gair advises: “Choose warm colors that will create a feeling of coziness and comfort rather than bright whites. “By choosing warmer, more neutral tones, you are giving yourself a warm canvas that you can transform with the right accessories. For example, brighter, more vibrant colors make a great addition to a more neutral backdrop.”
Green space
Houseplants work wonders for our mental health, with numerous scientific studies showing that living among house plants helps to reduce stress levels, improve mood and even lower our blood pressure. “Indoor plants help improve air quality by purifying and removing toxins from the air, helping to keep the lungs clean,” explains Gair. “Indoor plans also help regulate the temperature inside, even in winter, which improves our mood and keeps us feeling productive.
Gair continues, “To combat SAD, choose houseplants that thrive year-round,” advises Gair. “Sturdy plants that don’t need a lot of light or water, such as snakes, ferns, and palm trees are great choices as they will survive the winter months with minimal effort.”
Sleep better
People with SAD often find themselves more sleepy than usual during the day and sleep longer at night. According to studies, people with SAD sleep two hours longer per night in winter than in summer. Establishing a bedtime routine and relaxing and waking up at the same time each day can help balance your mood and emotions and improve excessive sleepiness caused by SAD.
With working from home becoming the norm for so many people over the past eighteen months, the line between work and home life has become increasingly blurred, and many of us have had to work in the bedroom. mine. However, Gair recommends against this. “Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, so try to avoid doing any stressful work or tasks there. If space is an issue, then at least try to avoid working in bed, as your brain will then associate your bed with work and stress, instead of peace and sleep. “
Apply Hygge
Hygge is a Danish word that encapsulates feelings of relaxation, wellness, mindfulness and peace. “You don’t have to invest in expensive soft furnishings to achieve the Hygge approach, which is about creating an environment that offers the opportunity to ‘go out’,” says Gair. “Remove anything that you might find distracting or uncomfortable in the space where you relax. This could include watches, anything that makes noise, or online devices. Replace them with furniture commonly associated with calm like candles, weighted blankets, and plants. “
Hugging Hygge will work against SAD as it involves proactively preventing or combating such negative feelings. By doing so, you can avoid sadness and instead bring warmth, comfort and encouragement.
