Feeling more on edge than usual?

Some of us feel a weird combination of lethargy, low mood and reduced ability to handle normal stress in certain months of the year. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, thought to be brought on by lower levels of serotonin. A neurotransmitter that affects our moods and higher levels of melatonin, which also affects our mood and sleeping patterns.

Melatonin is produced when we have increased exposure to darkness, as we do when the days shorten in winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder is thought to be a reaction to a combination of both. This leave us with a lowered capacity to handle stress and increased likelihood of mood swings and low periods. There are many ways to treat this. This includes Himalayan Salt Lamps, phototherapy, increased exercise and vitamin D supplements as a few examples. Once you are aware that you suffer from it, you can work on preventing it in the first place!