Day Light Saving Time & Seasonal Depression
We transitioned from steamy nights to chilly mornings. The leaves are falling uncontrollably and it’s even harder to find the ground. The nights meet us sooner than we anticipated, and the days are gone in the blink of an eye. We hung up our windbreakers, zipped up our down coats, and said our farewell to summer.
Fall is the season known to bring change with comfort and ease. While there’s so much truth to that, I would be remised if I didn’t acknowledge how this time of the year can feel like the opposite of comfort and ease.
The clocks take our natural sunlight as they fall back one hour. While we gain an hour of sleep, we lose natural vitamin D. Many of us are vitamin D deficient already, imagine what Day Light Savings does to us physically and mentally.
Do you hear that?
That’s the sound of serotonin leaving our body.
Serotonin is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout your body. Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, and sexual desire. (National Institute of Health, 2022)
Serotonin is activated by vitamin D.
Everyone who is impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) reacts differently.
Here are some ways to identify SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder has no target and can impact any and everyone who doesn’t commit to doing the work of mitigating it.
The work.
Mental Preparation:
Reflect on how you showed up for YOU last fall. What could you have done differently to prepare for the season? What boundaries do you want to instill this year that you didn’t use last year?
You can reflect while journaling or taking a walk. This would be a great time to proactively book appointments with your therapist or doctor.
Prayer:
Before your feet touch the floor, pray for the kind of day you want.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” -Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Lord, please use me today in any way You see fit. As You guide my thoughts and actions, please use me to bless others and for Your purposes more broadly. Rather than seeking my own will, help me to align with Yours. Thank You, God, for all You do for me. In the name of Your son Jesus, I pray, amen.
Prioritize Social Activities:
We weren’t meant to live in isolation. If we were, God wouldn’t bless you with neighbors. Find creative ways to remain connected to loved ones. Surround yourself with people who feel like home. You can host a Friendsgiving, attend a bible study, go for a scheduled walk with a friend, volunteer your time to those in need, and/or commit to a new fitness class.
“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.” -S. Kelley Harrell
Move Your Body:
Studies reveal that outdoor exercise is more impactful in relieving SAD. Take a walk mid-day after lunch or a brisk walk in the afternoon. To achieve your fitness goals, partner with @gym_addict365 located at @youreach.iteach. Oftentimes, a parent will enroll their child at @youreach.iteach for player development and enroll themselves with @gym_addict365 for strength training. @youreach.iteach is a multipurpose training facility that is known to breed the best athletes out of Montgomery County. @Gym_addict365 is led by a former all-American D1 athlete who never stopped training. ??
Let the Sunlight In:
Pull your curtains to invite the natural sunlight to enter. Remember to keep your blinds open throughout the day.
Consume a Vitamin D Rich Diet:
Few foods naturally contain vitamin D. (Harvard School of Public Health, 2022)
Here are a few foods that are rich in vitamin D, cod liver oil, salmon, tuna fish, oranges, sardines, beef liver, and egg yolk.
Live Well:
Limit caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and some medicines, especially close to bedtime. These practices protect your rest and promote uninterrupted slumber.
There is no special order to address SAD, but a combination of the practices above has been scientifically proven to support an individual experiencing it.
Resources:
Personal Trainer- @Gym_Addict365
Therapy- ZocDoc. @Therapyforblackgirls, @BlackMaleTherapists, @TalkSpace, SonderMind Mental Health America
Volunteer- @DistantRelatives, Meals on Wheels, Martha's Table , SOME (So Others Might Eat) , The Salvation Army
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner for personalized guidance and recommendations regarding any specific health concerns or conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it due to information obtained from this platform or any other source. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate assistance by contacting your local emergency services or healthcare provider.