Seattle Chiropractor Discusses Tips for Combatting S.A.D

Hi, it’s Dr. Zapata with Emerald City Spinal Care in Seattle! With the change in season, you have probably noticed that there is less and less daylight. For some people, that triggers something called Seasonal Affective Disorder. So, today I am going to share some tips to help combat S.A.D.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that is brought on by the change in seasons. In particular, it tends to show up for people during the long winter months where there is a lack of sun and daylight. With that in mind, I’ve got a few tips to share with you to help you minimize the effects of S.A.D.

Tip # 1: Exercise! Why is this so important? Well, exercise in Seattle has been shown to improve mood and boost energy levels, so if you are feeling low on energy due to the darkness, a workout can provide a nice bump in energy and overall mood!

Tip # 2: Consider avoiding caffeine and cutting back on your sugar intake. While there is no doubt that caffeine and sugar can increase your energy levels temporarily, that energy boost is short lived and often followed by a ‘crash’. So, while it can be awfully tempting to lean on caffeinated drinks to provide a boost in energy, it’s more of a Band-Aid than a real solution.

Tip # 3: When the sun is out, make sure to soak it up! If it’s not, you may want to consider taking Vitamin D supplements. Sunshine is a major source of vitamin D, and in the winter months in Seattle, when the sun is a rare sight, you may not be able to get enough through diet alone.

Tip # 4: Utilize light therapy and get a ‘happy lamp’! These light therapy boxes are designed to simulate sunlight, and sitting in front of one for 30 minutes or so in the morning can actually go a long way in terms of combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder.

That wraps up this tip of the week! I hope that you found these tips helpful and that they help you to get through the cold, dark winter months a little bit easier! From all of us at Emerald City Spinal Care in Seattle, thanks and have an amazing week!

- Dr. Zapata and the Emerald City Spinal Care Team