>There’s just something about this time of year…the parties are over, the decorations all gone – it’s dark when you leave the house and dark when you get home, not to mention the weather.
In one word – Depressing!
I have come to the conclusion that I suffer slightly from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and I’m not alone – Up to one in 20 people is believed to be affected by SAD, with women three times more likely to be affected than men. Younger people, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 40, are more likely to suffer. I’m doomed!!
Symptoms can include:
- Sleep problems
- Lethargy
- Overeating
- Depression
- Social problems
- Anxiety & lowered tolerance to stress
- Mood changes
The cause behind all this is a lack of exposure to natural light! This lack of lux causes a chemcal imbalance leading to the symptoms mentioned above.
So – what are we to do?! well increasing exposure to natural sunlight is an obvious start! Or you can always buy some false light…hmmm an ugly lamp or a holiday in the caribbean – tough choice! and as always a healthy diet and exercise are essential to help your body feel good.
So there we go…a little bit more encouragement to stick to those new years resolutions! Or just an excuse to jet off to sunnier climates…
‘Happy’ New Year Everyone! …I’m off to look at holidays! 
