Hello All,
Low levels of serotonin might also contribute to the winter blues. Serotonin is a feel-good brain chemical that has antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and anti-craving properties. It is speculated that sufferers have low serotonin levels during the winter months. Although more research is needed, increasing the brain level of serotonin has been shown to improve winter blues’ symptoms
Beat the blues
There are natural approaches that can provide substantial relief in a relatively short period of time.
Turn up the light
Try to get as much bright light as possible, particularly in the morning. I bought the Philips lamp which is aimed at people like me who suffer the Blues!! I have found this little piece of equipment to be a God(dess) send, the light comes on half an hour before your alarm does, it replicates the sun light shinning in your window. It has really helped me get out of bed in the morning. It's not expensive either. You will find them in Argos.
There are also sun lamps you can get if you suffer from SAD you can get them through your GP, It generally takes from two days to a week to notice a great improvement. It is best to use these devices in the morning, as this has the added bonus of resetting the circadian rhythm and stopping daytime melatonin secretion.
Get outside
Hibernation may be tempting, but get outdoors to take advantage of any natural light that Mother Nature offers. Remember to warm up properly before exercising. Tight muscles are more susceptible to injury in the cold.
Layer your clothing so the innermost layer wicks moisture away from your body while the outer layer provides a wind- and water-repellant barrier. Don’t remove your clothes immediately upon returning indoors. Allow your body time to adjust to the warmer temperature to avoid post-exercise hypothermia.
If exercising outdoors in the winter chill is unappealing, walk at a shopping centre, climb stairs, join a gym, swim at an indoor pool, skate at an arena, or sign up for one of the many fitness programs offered by your local community centre.
Increasing the serotonin levels seem's to be one of the major contributing factors when it comes to beating the winter woes, but how do we do this, I am about to explain,,,,,
Foods rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, including rice, oats, corn, millet and buckwheat help sustain and boost serotonin levels, and thus a sense of well being and calm and increased concentration, confidence and relaxation. Other foods that boost serotonin levels include fresh vegetables, especially root crops, squash and fresh fruits. Apples are noted for bringing oxygen to the brain and being rich in complex carbohydrates and B vitamins, critical nutrients for balanced serotonin levels. Serotonin-boosting snacks include popcorn, tortilla & corn chips, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey and rice syrup. Chocolate beans contain PEA, called the molecule of love. Chocolate stimulates the central nervous system and acts like a natural antidepressant.Herbs that help boost serotonin levels include oatstraw, which is loaded with B vitamins, and the roots of angelica, burdock, dandelion, ginseng, wild yam and black cohosh. Cannabis, significantly raises serotonin levels. But I would not recommend using cannabis as that will just lead to a whole lot of other problems that last a lot longer than the winter months!!!!!!
Activities that enhance serotonin levels include gentle yoga or tai chi, walking, stretching, being in nature, sunshine, clear skies, mild wind, prayer and meditation. Rain and dark wintry weather cause a decline in serotonin levels. Talking with a compassionate person or writing to oneself in a journal is very healing and boosts immunity as well as serotonin levels.
Aromatherapy can do wondrous things to energize, calm, or help beat the winter blues. Essential oils stimulate the sense of smell and can stimulate our memories, emotions, and instincts. The aromas can affect our entire being and psyche. However, it is not a substitute for proper medical care and should not be used as such. It can, however, be a complement to traditional medicine as well as being used in a non-medical way.
One of the most common herbs used by people with mild depression or winter blues is Lavandula angustifolia. It has a calming effect on emotions as well as helping to bring clarity of thought. Lavender essential oil is considered to be one of the safest oils used for aromatherapy and can reduce tension, hysteria, and help you sleep (only in low doses! High doses of Lavender acts as a stimulant). You might notice that lavender is used in some children’s bath wash or powder products as a means to help children relax so they, and their parents, can get some rest.
To make your own aromatherapy oil blends, you’ll want to have an unscented lotion or carrier oil as a base, such as olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil. Add a few drops of one or two essential oils to the carrier oil. You can also prepare larger quantities by adding a total of five or ten drops of essential oil to one cup of carrier oil. These oils can also be added to shampoo, conditioner, bubble baths, and Epsom salt.
Petitgrain, bergamot, lavender, and lemon are used to help brighten your mood and calm you. Mix together:
25 drops of petitgrain
30 drops of bergamot
20 drops of lavender
25 drops of lemon
This mixture can be stored in a 5 milliliter bottle. Put five to eight drops on a room diffuser, breathe from the bottle, add it to carrier oil, or add it to bath salts. Never use neat on the skin.
Citrus blends like the one above are particularly effective for brightening a person’s moods. Here are a few other blends you may want to try.
* For emotional wellbeing: 2 drops Clary sage, 2 drops Frankincense, and 1 drop Sandalwood. Blend this with one tablespoon almond oil and use it for a relaxing massage.
* To beat the winter blues: 4 drops Bergamot, 4 drops Lemon, and 2 drops Ylang-ylang. Can be added directly to bath water or mixed with unscented bubble bath.
These aromatherapy oil blends may not bring people with severe depression out of it, but they can do wonders for those who are mildly depressed or simply have the blues. Give them a try; you may have found an easy method for brightening your mood during the long and cold winter months.
I am sorry I haven't spoken much about Samhain, but I feel since it has passed there is no point going on about it, my blogg from last year will have plenty of information and I will make sure that 2011s blogg will be out of this world!! What I will say is this on Sunday 31 October I did a fire walk, and it has really empowered me!! I know that sounds all cheesy but it really does one good to invoke the fire element within!! It gives you drive, passion, energy and to walk over something as powerful as fire, really make you sit up and think 'I could achieve anything'. I had a lot of important big decisions to make and after doing this fire walk it really made things a lot more obvious and clear, I was getting myself all in a muddle over the stupid things and burying my head in the sand about the big things!!. My big decision was whether or not to close the shop in Dunkeld, after Wendy left I have found it increasingly difficult to juggle family, work and 'me' time (I am not blaming Wendy at all for me having to make these decisions, she has here own life and she did what was right for her, I would have did the exact same in her shoes!). I have chosen to close the shop, half of me is gutted it didn't work another half is revealed. I have decided to have a workshop and concentrate whole heatedly on making my beloved lotions and potions, while having a shop I had to wait on customers coming through the door, and I couldn't create as much as i would have liked as I had to man the shop and I could afford to pay someone!! Having this work shop means I can go out and find customers, I have a massive trade fair in January!!! and the pamper parties will be back in operations soon . I am changing the look of Highland Essence so watch this space as it is only the beginning.
Bright Blessings
Savannah aka the organic witch
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