Taking a walk in the morning can help you have a happier autumn. Easy, right? Exposing yourself to the morning sun helps regulate our circadian rhythm, an essential factor in preventing seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that can affect people during the fall and winter months, when we are exposed to less sunlight.
Symptoms of this disorder may include
- sadness and general depression
- lack of interest
- fatigue
- difficulty falling asleep
- lack of concentration
- changes in appetite and weight
In more severe cases, seasonal affective disorder may include feelings of guilt, and/or suicidal thoughts.
Seasonal affective disorder is real, and it usually begins in the early autumn months and lasts until spring. Occasionally, it can have the opposite effect, starting in spring and continuing until the end of summer.
This disorder can be treated and prevented with lifestyle changes and supplements. If these changes aren't enough, you should see a specialist for help overcoming it.
These are the changes that can help prevent and treat seasonal affective disorder.
- Go for a walk every morning, at first light, and without sunglasses. Morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, helping to stop the production of melatonin and encouraging the production of cortisol for more energy throughout the day.
- Do some exercise, especially something you enjoy, whether it's dancing, playing padel, trekking...move your body.
- Be social. Find ways to spend time with people who make you feel good. Meet up for a walk or a cup of tea, or spend time with your family doing things you enjoy. I love reading to my children.
- Relax. Find a moment each day to dedicate a few minutes to meditating and relaxing. Remember that 5 minutes is better than 0 minutes.
Often, a vitamin D deficiency can cause these symptoms, in addition to affecting our immune system. A vitamin D supplement, like this one from Árbol Verde , can help in cases of vitamin D deficiency.
I've been taking a walk every morning for over a year now. It's not a long or particularly brisk walk; in fact, I usually chat with my husband while enjoying a cup of coffee. This walk has become a priority, even on rainy or cold days.
I hope you can find some time to go for a walk in the morning—or at least step out onto the terrace and get some sun. If you do, I'd love to hear how you feel afterward.