How to break the stress-fat connection

Recognizing Seasonal Affective Disorder: Getting Relief From SAD

Recognizing Seasonal Affective Disorder: Getting Relief From SAD

One more gray day looms large, yes it's that time of year and if you are one of the 5% of the people living in the northern hemisphere that experience from S.A.D or Seasonal Affective Disorder your life can be pretty depressing at the moment. The feelings usually start in the Autumn season and carry on throughout until Spring. It is recognized that up to half a million folks in the United States could be suffering from S.A.D however not everyone knows they have it as the symptoms are quite quite often mistaken for conditions like depression or insomnia amongst others.

Younger women seem to be worst affected however they are more likely to seek a doctors advice so that could be why. Symptoms include a general feeling of being down, irritability, mood swings, poor sleep patterns and loss of appetite which swings towards binging and over indulgence.

So how can you help alleviate the condition?
There are aspects of your daily routine that you can change to offset the affects of Seasonal Affective Disorder that can really help you, such as:

Getting outside as much as possible when the days are just that bit brighter as the more daylight you are subjected to the better you will feel.If you're lucky you could get a day when the sun shines, if that is the case make the most of it, go sit in it for a while.

Try to make your working environment as bright possible, try moving your desk closer to the window, Take regular breaks, and if possible take your lunch break away from your office.

If you are a homeworker try to build a routine which will allow you to get out of the house at least once a day.

Using a light therapy lamp to simulate daylight. You can purchase them online and aren't too expensive. Light Therapy Lamps have been proven to make a difference. Simply use it in the background fro thirty minutes a day and you will feel so much better.

If you are suffering from SAD regular exercise has been known to help, if you are of an age and are fit you could try jogging or a brick daily walk. If that is not your thing try yoga. You can also help your S.A.D symptoms with the power of exercise it will help keep your body healthy at the same time. It is a good idea to plan your week in advance as we are all guilty of putting things off, however if they have been scheduled you are more likely to see it through.

Food cravings can also be a component of Seasonal Affective Disorder, usually people crave sweet things like chocolate, biscuits and cake, if this is the case try to satisfy your appetite by substituting the sweeter foods with other carbohydrates such as pasta, or you could eat more fruit and vegetables.

In the end it all comes down to being proactive with your Disorder and tying to meet it head on, There is no one cure fits all but once you recognize that you have SAD then you can begin to treat it.
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Arnold Hexden writes on Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as other subjects, however S.A.D is an issue close to his heart and he has spent a lot of his time developing his jdeas. You can read more about S.A.D at his his website over at http://www.lightthearapyboxes.net

2 Key Herbs that Will Fight Fatigue, Depression and Stress!!!

2 Key Herbs that Will Fight Fatigue, Depression and Stress!!!

I found this article on the Intent.com website by Michelle Schoffro Cook on "5 Natural Energy Boosters" as I am always looking for information on improving my health and increasing my energy. So the first paragraph caught my attention "Do you muster every ounce of energy you have just to lift your limbs out of bed, experience a daily afternoon crash that only lifts with a caffeine boost, or feel a general sense of fatigue throughout the day? According to researchers, you are not alone. Fatigue is the second most common complaint to doctors in North America.

Unfortunately, many people turn to caffeine to boost their energy levels. That approach provides short-lived energy at best. At worst, it may cause damage to your body in the form of caffeine addiction, blood sugar fluctuations and adrenal gland depletion that makes you more vulnerable to stress. Since caffeine continues to work for about 12 hours, that afternoon coffee may leave you lying awake counting sheep when you are ready to sleep."

I read these lines and I went wow that fatigue effects many people if it is the second most common complaint. So I read the remaining of the article, where the author discussed Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, Siberian Ginseng Extract, Spirulina and Gotu Kola.

So I decided to try Siberian Ginseng Extract and Gotu Kola, according to the article

3. Siberian Ginseng Extract As the name suggests, Siberian ginseng originates in Siberia. It also grows in Japan, China, and Korea and parts of Canada. It has been used medicinally for at least two thousand years. Siberian ginseng is one of only a handful of herbs that is an adaptogen, which means that it works to normalize bodily functions. It inhibits the adrenal stress response and works as an immune stimulant, particularly for fighting the effects of stress and depression. It aids the liver in detoxifying harmful toxins, including chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. Siberian ginseng also stimulates the activity of several immune system components: B and T cells, making it excellent for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other viral infections. Athletes around the world use Siberian ginseng as a training aid because of its reputed ability to increase resistance to stress, increase performance, bolster the immune system during workouts, and reduce fatigue. But it also helps strengthen energy levels over time.

5. Gotu Kola Gotu Kola is an herb that contains many nutrients and healing phytochemicals. As one of the primary energy herbs used by herbalists, gotu kola lessens fatigue and depression without the effects of caffeine. Actually, unlike caffeine that may keep you awake into the evenings, gotu kola actually helps improve sleep at night.

I took these herbs with meals for two week, and the first few days I did not notice any change in my energy level. On the fourth day, I have to say that started to notice that I had more sustained energy throughout the work day. I did not have my usual afternoon crash where I would start looking for chocolate to get through the remaining of the day. I was more focused during meetings and completed tasks in a timely manner. I noticed that once I left the office that I had additional energy to do my exercise routine. Once, I went to sleep, I slept like I was in a 5 star hotel big and then woke up refreshed. These two herbs have given me an extra boost that I needed, so I highly recommend these herbs and the other herbs noted in the article. Try them and let me know your results.

So join me in getting fit and healthy by changing our mind, body and spirit one day at a time.