When the weather gets colder and the days shorter as we begin to head into fall, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can start to affect many people. SAD is a condition that typically affects people in the colder, darker months. Symptoms are often sadness, moodiness, and a lack of energy that begins in the fall and continues through winter. This condition can be helped with a number of holistic health remedies, so let us share those natural remedies below! 

Holistic Health Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder

  • Light therapy

Light therapy can be a great way to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder! The light emitted from lightboxes made specifically for this purpose is usually around 20 times brighter than typical indoor lights. Light therapy is usually recommended for about 30 minutes a day and tends to be the most useful first thing in the morning. The goal is to mimic the light you’d normally get outside during the sunnier seasons of the year.  

Try to get outside as often as you can to soak up more light when the weather permits! Try taking a walk every day that you’re able, keeping window shades open, and setting your workstation up near a window if you can! 

  • Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is another holistic health remedy that may help those experiencing seasonal blues. Smells are connected to the area of the brain that’s responsible for controlling moods, so good smells can trigger positive responses in your body. A couple of ways to use essential oils is by adding a few drops to your bath at night, and combining them with oil to rub on your skin! Make sure you read up on appropriate doses and uses.

  • Get Moving

Exercise is a great holistic health practice that can help with most health issues! Regular exercise can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can help fight off seasonal sadness. So get moving today, whether it’s a walk around the block, a virtual yoga class, or a hike in the mountains. Any form of exercise will do the trick.

  • Healthy Nutrition

Research shows that healthy nutrition is an important part of holistic healing for SAD! You can even choose recipes that contain natural mood boosters, such as:

    1. Dark leafy greens – These often contain vitamin B12, which supports energy production in the body!
    2. Dark chocolate – The flavonoids in dark chocolate are known to reduce stress-causing hormones. 
    3. Fish – Omega-3s and Vitamin D-rich fish can improve your mood because they boost dopamine and serotonin levels.
    4. Nuts and seeds – These protein-rich foods also provide helpful omega-3s.
    5. Avocados – These healthy-fat-filled treats are full of calming tryptophan.
    6. Turmeric – A 2017 study found that Curcumin, an ingredient in Turmeric, reduced depression.

  • Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices can also help holistically heal Seasonal Affective Disorder. Try mindfulness practices such as yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, and setting positive affirmations. Setting an intention each morning to approach the day from a positive perspective can transform your life!

  • Balance Your Energy with Energy Healing

Releasing energy that may be holding you back is another great way to prevent the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or at least reduce their severity! Energy healing with The Emotion Code® and The Body Code™ can help you let go of those emotions, and create more space for joy. “It doesn’t take much to power yourself through the cold season,” says The Emotion Code creator Dr. Bradley Nelson. “Through a little mindfulness, gratitude, imagination, creativity, and courage, you can turn the winter blues into beautiful memories.”