Ok – so maybe you don’t suffer with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) but it’s still possible to have the winter blues – especially as the weather these days is so changeable and unpredicatable.

What actually happens and why do we get these dips or low feelings or even actual depression ?

More than 100,000 chemical reactions go on in your brain every second! The brain is also a radio transmitter, which sends out measurable electrical wave signals. In fact the brain continues to send out these signals for as long as 37 hours after death! What a thought ……

We all think the brain is there just so we are able to learn things and be intelligent but it’s much more than that it is actually your own pharmacy and produces more than 50 identified active drugs. Some of these are associated with memory, intelligence and sedatives.  Endorphin’s, I think most of you have heard of these, they are classed as our “happy hormones” but they are also a natural painkiller, and can be 3 times more potent than morphine if you allow them to be.  You have heard of “mind over matter” I think this is exactly what it means.

Scientific research over the last several decades has led to the discovery of opiate-like chemicals in the body that associate with opiate specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, including Serotonin which is a hormone manufactured by your brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, involved in the transmission of nerve impulses through the brain and spinal chord.  It is manufactured in your body using the amino acid tryptophan. Release of serotonin or other drugs (depending on the type of nerve) causes the other nerve to fire (synapse) and continue the message along the nerve.

The neurotransmitters are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. At the neurochemical and physiological level, neurotransmitters are extremely important, since they carry impulses between nerve cells. The substance that processes the neurotransmitter called serotonin is the amino acid tryptophan. It increases the amount of serotonin made by the brain.

 Serotonin is a chemical that helps maintain a “happy feeling,” it helps to control our moods, sleeping cycle and relieves anxiety and depression.  The brain also makes Dopamine, which makes people more talkative and excitable. It affects  brain processes that control movement, emotional response, and ability to experience pleasure and pain. All of these chemicals are natural chemicals that affect our bodily processes.

Low Serotonin levels are believed to be the reason for many cases of mild to moderate depression which can lead to symptoms like anxiety, apathy, fear, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia and fatigue.

The sun and bright light seem to trigger a response to a brain hormone known as melatonin (produced by the pineal gland), which is, in part, responsible for preventing the “blues.” Stay in brightly-lit rooms on dark days. Research reveals that two hours of morning sun is very effective in lifting depression. The evening light had comparatively little results.

What can you do to help yourself

Nutrition and nourishment for the mind body and soul – that’s what……

Reaching for that chocolate bar or packet of biscuits will only lead to further depression, so don’t do it!

Instead eat a good range of

• whole grains such as oats, millet, rice, buckwheat
• lentils and pulses
•  lots of root vegetables and green ones
• spices and herbs
• Make into curry or chilli or a really tasty soup or casserole- have those lovely aromas wafting through the kitchen.
• Flax seeds or flax oil, as the Omega 3’s in these oils are found to be very beneficial for brain function
•  avocado, bananas, aubergine, tomatoes contain great nutrients to help lift your mood
•  Seeds, nuts, soy beans, spirulina.

A whole range of scrummy foods to lift your mood what better – add to this cacao nibs for a real treat (great alternative to chocolate) !

If you don’t already have Healthy Bunch Cookbook, make sure you get it as there are fabulous recipes there for you.

Exercise

Yes! you may have already read the series of books or seen the videos on the website, exercise REALLY does lift the mood, it releases the endorphins that help to make us happy – so go for it and on top of that it works off the calories you are putting in your mouth !

So start today, even if it’s just a walk in the fresh air at lunchtime.

Try a yoga class or get a DVD and practice at home – the “salutation to the sun” is a great wake up in the morning or midday or indeed anytime.

Pampering

Massage and other treatments can be great for boosting a sluggish circulation which will then cause your mood to lift and you will have a sense of wellbeing.  Try any of the following:

• Aromatherapy – your practitioner will mix a blend of oils to perfectly complement the treatment
• Massage – this will stimulate the circulation and bring about a great sense of wellbeing
• Indian Head Massage – try this for a fabulous release of tension

Relaxation

•  Meditation – try ten minutes of this first thing in the morning or anytime in the day when you need to clear your thoughts.  Try some of the really good guided meditation CD’s or join a meditation group
• Relaxation CD’s this is different to meditation – these are designed to get you into a completely relaxed state and are very enjoyable too
• Just find a corner in your busy day to sit or lie in a comfortable position and take a nap

Remedies

Take care when choosing any supplements or remedies as they may conflict with any medication you may already.

I would suggest the following if you are really suffering or your health is compromised.

Flax oil – A full range of B vitamins – 5HTP – a balance of magnesium and calcium 60/40%

Go to the online profile and let me check out your health for you.

Trisha Stewart