Standard Time got you down? Reverse the effects naturally!

November 2, 8:19 PMAustin Health and Happiness ExaminerCourtney Nied

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You’re driving home from work and you’ve had a long day. Thinking you actually worked a longer day than usual, you look down at the clock and realize it’s only 6 o’clock. “Bummer,” you think. You had so many things you wanted to do that night, things that normally would be done in the daylight hours. Instead, you decide to go home and eat a bowl of ice cream.

It’s that time of year when those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) begin to feel down and emotional. SAD, also known as the winter blues, isn’t an uncommon diagnosis. If you are one of many who begin to suffer from feelings of depression once the clocks fall back, you may be suffering from SAD. But don’t write yourself a prescription just yet. There are many natural ways to help those with SAD to reverse the symptoms and feel themselves again, even during the Winter Blues.

One of the most popular natural treatments for SAD is Light Therapy. Light therapy utilizes specialized light boxes that are made to expose light similar to that which comes from the sun. Similar to outdoor light, these light boxes can effectively change brain chemical balances linked to the mood. There are many boxes to choose from on the market, so make sure to consider the particular features of the light boxes that bring interest. Each one may have different light intensities, directions, and costs.

In line with Light Therapy and light boxes are dawn simulators. These are similar to light boxes in that they provide similar light to that of the sun. However, these are a bit different. Dawn simulators are made to act as the sun in the early morning. Set on timers, the simulators gradually increase the light intensity throughout the morning hours, tricking the body into thinking it is waking up from natural summer sunlight. This provides a gentle and natural approach to waking up, compared to a standard alarm clock.

Along with light therapy, it’s imperative to exercise regularly, keep up with a healthy diet, and get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Together, light therapy and a healthy lifestyle can bring your wintery blues to summery hues.