How to Cope with the Winter Blues

Nov. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- However, how can you tell if you are just feeling a little down in the dumps or whether you are one of the estimated four million people in the UK or 11 million in the US who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Doctors around the world confirm that there are specific symptoms that are associated with SAD which can cause people to experience work-related stress, relationship problems, and depression or money worries. Turning back the clocks can often be the trigger for these symptoms.

Reiki Master Rob Fellows from England looks at some of these ‘tell-tale signs’ and offers his view on how to overcome them.

Rob says “SAD is associated with a lack of sunshine bought on during the winter months’. Natural sunlight passing through your eyes to the brain brings on a release of serotonin, which helps to control our mood swings. In the winter there is a drop in serotonin in our bodies and to make matters worse there is an increase in the hormone melatonin.

The higher levels of melatonin in our bodies will adversely affect our abilities to stay awake. So, when you combine lower levels of serotonin and higher levels of melatonin sufferers can find they feel constantly sleepy and even depressed.”

Some people can just get by although for many others the symptoms can be so sever that it results in them needing anti-depressants to get them through the winter.

However, apart from prescribed drugs, there are other popular non-medical remedies including light therapy where a light box sends mock sunlight to the brain, and regular exercise can boost levels of serotonin.

Rob finds that he has an increase in requests for reiki distance healing during the darker winter months as reiki can help people cope with difficult moods. He says “I find that around this time I start to see more clients booking reiki sessions and this continues until the end of January. The beauty of reiki is that I can reach people all over the world and have many clients in the US. It’s amazing to think that as many as 10% of the population in the northern States might be sufferers”.

So what signs should you be looking for that suggests you may be a SAD sufferer and not just feeling ‘down in the dumps’?

Too much sleep
This is a classic symptom of SAD. When you wake in the dark your body is still full of the sleep inducing melatonin and so when you have to get up and go to work when it’s still dark your brain is still in sleep mode. Then when you’ve barely got over this during the day it goes dark again before you leave work and you’re back where you started from. A light linked to your alarm clock that mimics daylight and wakes you slowly and more naturally could help

Depression
If you feel really down all of the time over winter this could be an indication of SAD. Generally being miserable with a ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude could be the symptom. Getting some exercise like a brisk walk in the fresh air at lunch time can help give you an energy boost and lift your mood. Even better if it’s a sunny day. You should consult your doctor if symptoms get too severe.

No energy
Its one thing enjoying drawing the curtains at night and being cosy in front of the fire but it’s quite something else to have no energy day after day making every day tasks impossible. Try to get some regular exercise as this can help boost your energy levels. Reiki healing could help here too.

Poor concentration
If you feel depressed and have no energy then it is difficult to concentrate on everyday tasks that need ‘brain-power’. Even simple tasks can seem overwhelming and this can affect you at home and work. Forcing yourself to keep an active mind can help you.

A bad mood
Getting irritable or moody for no real reason on a regular basis is another classic SAD symptom which might upset your family and work colleagues. Recognise this and try some of the other techniques to help lift your mood.

Getting anxious
Feeling panicky or anxious about everyday things can also indicate you are suffering from SAD. Fresh air and exercise are excellent antidotes and reiki can also help to calm you and reduce anxiety.

Weight gain
SAD can also adversely affect your eating habits too. Sufferers often try to overcome the lack of sunshine by craving sweet foods and carbs. Scientists feel this is linked to a lack of serotonin and the problem becomes worse as any weight gain can lead to an increased depression creating a vicious circle. Where possible keep a check on the amount of sweet foods eaten and increase your intake of fruit, vegetables and oily fish and eggs which are rich in vitamin D.

Reduced sex drive
SAD symptoms can have a hugely negative affect on libido. A lack of energy, bad mood, tiredness, a feeling of misery or a gain in weight can put you off sex with your partner. To avoid the problem creating relationship problems it’s best to explain what you are feeling with your partner. If you are carrying out all the other suggestions you should find you have more of an appetite for love-making.

Moping about
Do you notice you are sighing a lot, when really there is no need? This could indicate to you and others that you are a SAD sufferer. Moping about and being generally miserable with a ‘doom and gloom’ approach is a good indicator. So get out for that brisk walk in some daylight to boost your energy levels.

Rob of www.reikidistancehealing.org concludes “If you combine a healthy diet with plenty of exercise and consider some non-medical remedies like reiki then you should avoid being SAD this winter.”

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I am a Reiki Master and specialise in reiki distance healing so that reiki can be sent to anyone or anything, anywhere in the world. I am English and live in rural England. I've helped many clients across the USA with a variety of health & personal issues