Winters in Delhi (Photo Credit: File Photo (PTI))
New Delhi:
Do you feel fatigued and constantly irritated?
Are mood swings making it tough to focus during work hours?
And a general apathy for all things work is the mood of the season?
The season is “winter blues”, mostly associated with disruptions in biological rhythms of body metabolism. The winter blues are often considered as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that marks attitude related changes. Researchers have also confirmed that winter led brain making less serotonin: a chemical linked to brain pathways.
SAD alters the levels of two important chemicals in the brain: melatonin (which regulates sleep) and serotonin (which regulates your mood) is often called the happy chemical due to its relation with a sense of wellbeing and happiness.
1. Take a walk in the sunshine to store magical D: The Vitamin D will help release the neurotransmitters Serotonin and dopamine that fades brain fog and activates your brain’s function
2. Go omega-3 : People with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids are found less likely to experience the symptoms of this seasonal depression. Include flax seeds, walnuts, and salmon in the diet to feel the change in you.
3. Folic acid : Our body uses folic acid to make serotonin. Grab dark green veggies like spinach and broccoli, sunflower seeds, oranges, lentils, black peas, soybeans frequently.
4. Add some Magnesium to avoid the compound symptoms of SAD - Feeding on magnesium is a better way to self-medicate through such down times. Dark chocolate, Avocados, Green leafy vegetables, Nuts and seeds will be of great help.
Also Read: Why Mushroom Is The New Wellness Vogue You Should Embrace
(The writer of the article is Consultant Corporate Nutritionist, RD, CDE)
