Unwrap our Wellness Tips for Seasonal Affective Disorder & Menopause
Don’t let the Winter blues get you down! In this Podcast conversation, we share tips to beat the winter blues using food, movement, essential oils, breathing techniques and much more.
Join me and my guest, Registered Nutritionist Alison Bladh, to wave goodbye to those winter blues and say hello to a healthier, happier you!
Watch us chat on YouTube
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Winter blues and Menopause; a double whammy!
Dealing with winter blues can be a real drag. Dipping temperatures can leave us trapped indoors. This time of year, coupled with hormonal shifts of menopause, can lead to a dip in mood and energy levels. It’s more important than ever to equip ourselves with tools and techniques to manage these physiological changes effectively.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real physiological reaction to low levels of sunlight. During the gloomy months, A lack of sunlight often triggers SAD, a condition that leaves you feeling down and less energetic. This disorder might make you feel low and leave you not wanting to leave your house. Add menopausal symptoms like mood swings and fatigue and your situation can seem daunting – but it doesn’t have to be!
Craving Carbohydrates?
Our discussion highlights the importance of good nutrition in boosting your mood and energy levels. Hormonal changes can trigger a preference for carbohydrates, especially during the winter. This desire can be traced back to reduced Serotonin, a mood-regulator neurotransmitter usually maintained by sunlight. When short on Serotonin, your body might crave carbohydrates to boost its production.
Reduced sunlight may also stimulate your Melatonin- the sleep-inducer hormone- making you sluggish. Coupled with emotional eating tendencies during winter, these occurrences might contribute to unbalanced nutrition, affecting your mood.
Nutrition Tips for Winter Blues & Menopausal Symptoms:
Although we might not control these cravings altogether, we can balance our diet by pivoting towards healthier carbohydrate options like vegetables and whole grains. Nourishing our bodies by incorporating varied foods rich in fibre, essential fats, and proteins can boost Serotonin and dopamine – the neurotransmitters that uplift our mood.
Lift your mood with Aromatherapy Oils
Using aromatherapy oils such as bergamot and lavender can provide an instant relaxing and uplifting feeling during the winter months. You could also try soaking in a bath of Epsom salts, which are high in magnesium and can be rejuvenating.
Movement is Medicine
Exercise should not be understated in combating winter blues and alleviating menopausal symptoms. Daily movements, such as simple strength training routines, Yoga, Pilates, or even walking in nature can work wonders for your mood and overall energy.
Join me to incorporate movement made for women into every day.
Book NOWLifestyle Medicine offers solutions
Overall, while menopause and the winter blues may present a challenging convergence, there are a host of tools available to you that can help alleviate these symptoms. A balanced diet, breathwork, gentle exercises, and aromatherapy can all be beneficial.
Always remember, that you are in control! Our suggestions can help you increase your energy levels, improve your mood and boost your overall health during menopause whether it is winter or summer. Make a change today and your journey through menopause could be filled with vitality and joy.
Be sure to subscribe to @movewithphillipa on YouTube or listen to us on Apple Podcasts for more insightful chats to make menopause a time to be healthy and happy.
Movement for Menopause
Join Phillipa online for Movement Made for Menopause.
Thanks to my guest
Alison Bladh Registered Nutritionist
Until next time, look after yourself, and remember – you’re not alone on this journey.
Phillipa x
Disclaimer: Please note that any information we provide in this podcast does not constitute medical guidance and you should consult your own medical practitioner before making any changes that could impact your health.
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