03/10/2007

SAD.....


Well the dark nights are starting to draw in (as my Mother would say), the sun set a whole ten minutes earlier tonight than it did on Sunday night. For individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) it can be a difficult time of year.

SAD is directly linked with the amount of sunlight we see and as the days shorten the pineal gland in the brain increases the amount of melatonin it produces, this can slow down our metabolism, leaving us feeling tired and lethargic all the time.

There is a lot you can do to help.

One of my favourite is to burn grapefruit essential oil just as the sun starts to set, grapefruit and all the other citrus essential oils increase both physical and mental activity helping keep the symptoms at bay.

Eating well is also very important, the B vitamins which are found in whole grains (and marmite!) are very useful in keeping your mood happy and motivated.

The essential fatty acids are also vital in keeping our mood content, one of the best ways to increase your intake of essential fatty acids is to make a simple salad dressing that is lovely as a dip for bread or poured over veg or salad. (Don't heat it though) This is my favourite recipe for salad dressing:

Home Made Salad Dressing

Mix hemp seed oil, flax (linseed) oil, avocado oil and a little wheat-germ oil(it works as a natural preservative).
Mix 1 part balsamic or cider vinegar to 4 parts oil in a screw top jar
Season with mustard, salt, pepper, garlic and just a tiny amount of honey
Shake well before use and keep refrigerated

Another very successful treatment is the use of broad spectrum lights which have become more available and affordable over the last few years.

Don't just live with it as many complementary therapies including aromatherapy, acupuncture and reflexology have offered many SAD sufferers relief.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

This has been great !!... I read all your blog entries, looked at your art and photo's and been to some other links.
The treadmill accident had me in stitches!...lol! :)
I loved the you tube clips at the bottom of this page and could not stop staring at "the end of summer" photograph!!
You have remarkable talent and Great Big Energy!!
x)