Written by Patrick Massey, M.D., Ph.D. Nature has given us safe, inexpensive and effective therapies for the winter blues.
This time of the year can be difficult for many people. There is the “let down” after the Holidays and it is getting colder. In addition, outside activities are minimized, because the sun comes up late and sets early. We feel tired, maybe a little depressed and this is probably natural. This time of the year, most of nature is resting. In our climate, for thousands of years, life would become quieter in the wintertime…no farming, no migrations, limited hunting…just rest.
Today however, life goes on at its accelerated pace…work schedules must be maintained, schoolwork persists, after-school sports and all other activities. Now wintertime is not a time for rest and rejuvenation, but of increased activity.
So how do we handle these natural urges during winter with the increased demands of modern life? Most people do not want to take drugs with all of their side effects (especially with children) and their increasing expense.
Nature has given us the answers and they are safe, inexpensive and effective for all ages.
Depression, seasonal affective disorder and even attention deficit disorder can be improved by increasing our intake of omega-3 fats. Fat is very important for nerve function, and fat deficiencies can contribute to a number of diseases. Interestingly, there is a growing correlation between the availability of omega-3 fats in growing children and the incidence of mental and emotional problems like depression, bipolar disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
One of the omega-3 fats is docosahexanoic acid, DHA. It is the primary fat found in the cell membranes of brain cells…it is important. However, our modern diet provides only limited amounts of the omega-3 fats. DHA can be easily obtained by eating fortified eggs (I also strongly recommend “free-range or vegetarian” eggs) and olive oil. It is also found in oily fish like sardines and cod. The most convenient form is as a dietary supplement (as a capsule). I personally take 3-4 capsules, every day, before a meal.
Exercise is a wonderful therapy for the winter blues. It does not have to be high impact, but it should be consistent…several times per week. Along with that, deep-breathing forms can reduce stress and anxiety. Deep breathing increases the volume of oxygen entering the lungs and, more importantly, promotes the clearance of toxins. It has been estimated that the lungs can rapidly clear 60-70% of the toxins made by the body. Proper breathing decreases blood pressure and heart rate, relaxes the nervous system and improves circulation and digestion…and it’s free!
Sunlight can be beneficial for seasonal depression. If you cannot get away to Arizona (most of us can’t), try to spend some time, on the weekends, outdoors or sitting in the sunlight. I like to spend 10-15 minutes watching the sunrise…it can be uplifting and sets the mood for the day. I usually try to do some qigong breathing exercises at sunrise. I find that it clears my mind and invigorates my body…then the rest of the day seems brighter and I feel more relaxed.”
