My Actifit Report Card: January 14 2019 - Give us back the sun! How to fight against seasonal depression?

Irritability, concentration deficit, increased fatigue and feeling that the nights are too short , heavy legs, feeling of sadness, continual weariness; these are the most common symptoms of seasonal depression; also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). What are the essential causes? And how to make sure to keep the depression at bay?

Seasonal depression: who are you, where are you from?
As its name implies, seasonal depression is an affective disorder that manifests itself chronically (therefore seasonally). Most of the time, symptoms appear in late fall and tend to disappear in late winter.

The causes of this affective disorder remain largely unknown, but mental health specialists attribute the lack of luminosity to the disorders mentioned. Indeed, the decrease in sunshine (in autumn and during the first winter months) leads to a decrease in serotonin production; a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in managing feelings and modulating mood ...

How to avoid the "ups and downs" generated by the lack of sun?
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Spotlight
The therapy is talked about for several years. The principle of therapy is very simple: to compensate for the lack of sun by exposing oneself to other light sources. Light therapy lamps are available over-the-counter and without prescription, but it is recommended to discuss the subject with your doctor - some people do indeed experience side effects to light therapy (complications of a possible ocular pathology and seizures of euphoria to take very seriously!).

There are various models of lamps - sold at prices ranging from 80 to 400 € - including the Luminette , a lamp to wear on the front and allows the user to flood the light while continuing its activities, or again PSiO , a device combining relaxation & light therapy.

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Put your nose outside
The artificial lamps are good. The sun (when it is there) is better! Since the days tend to get longer and you notice that the sun is shining in a corner of blue sky, try to enjoy it. Whenever possible, book thirty to forty minutes every day for a walk in the fresh air. It can not be said enough: walking (when done well and daily) is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

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Monitor your diet
To fight against the cold and greyness, the use of chocolates and other treats is common - and oh so understandable! Yet, we know it: sugar is not an ally from the point of view of health. If you do not want to banish the "little square of dark chocolate at night, you will not have to slip the complete tablet. In winter more than at any time of the year, fruits and vegetables ( seasonal if possible) should be favored in order to fight against vitamin deficiencies.

Among the vegetables in February, mention is made of avocado, beetroot, endive, carrot, cabbages (from Brussels and elsewhere!), Squash, watercress, shallot, lamb's lettuce, turnip, onions, parsnips, leeks, potatoes, pumpkins, salsify and Jerusalem artichokes. On the fruit side, we will favor clementine, tangerine, orange, lemon, grapefruit and apple ...

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