3 Ways To Annihilate Seasonal Depression This Year

Are you one of the 10 million Americans that suffer from seasonal depression?

Twice a year the clock adjustment known as daylight savings time has been linked to increased health risks such as depression, obesity, heart attack, cancer, and even car accidents? (according to Joseph S. Takahashi, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at UT Southwestern)

With this being the last year we’ll have to change the clocks…hopefully it’s the last time we’ll have this extra hurdle.

But I know these effects first hand as I’m one one the 10 million who fall into the depression and weight gain trend…and I’m a “fitness guy.”
So if I suffer… I know anyone can…and if you’re still reading I’m guessing you do too.

Good..you’re in the right place.

Here’s 3 ways you can annihilate seasonal depression this year

1. Get Active in The Sunlight

It’s not rocket surgery that exercise aids in the quality of your sleep, but when you do it outside at this time of year the effectiveness of your energy multiplies due to the stimulation the sun provides your nervous system.

The dark will ride in sooner tonight, so make sure you’ve at least gotten your steps in under the sun (if not a whole workout.) If you want to maintain your energy once it’s down and sleep like a baby when it’s time for bed.

2. Speaking of Sleep…Do it with regularity

It’s recommended you start to sleep and wake up about 15 minutes later each day leading up to “Fall Back.”

But now that the shift has happened, try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day to get your cardician rhythms optimized with your new energy cycle.

3. Limit Your Caffeine

I’m not saying you can’t have your morning coffee, but your body could already be extra restless for a few days…. Don’t give it more reason than it needs.

Instead focus on hydration and eating lots of fruits and veggies throughout the day (and stop 3 hours before going to sleep)  to avoid over-eating late…which elevates your blood glucose as you’re sleeping and causes poor sleep quality. 

Seasonal Depression sucks…and nobody experiences it the same…but these 3 tactics will help you keep a high level of energy during the day and get the best quality sleep at night.

Here’s to only having to do this stupid thing this one last time!