If you typically feel the winter blahs or the February blues, then you might be experiencing SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. SAD is a type of depression that affects people in the winter months because of the darkness from shorter days and grayer skies. It is more common in women than men and in the north than the south. Combine that with the high levels of stress, anxiety and now, even depression brought on by COVID-19, and those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder may experience more severe symptoms than normal. Continue reading “Are You SAD? 6 Tips to Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder”
Are You SAD? 6 Tips to Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder
February 8th, 2021 by Paula Gallagher
Our mental wellness is often neglected as we go about our busy lives. That can lead us to feel fatigued, depressed, and generally less than our best. We all understand the importance of good nutrition for health, but did you know there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression?
A healthy lifestyle starts with a balanced diet to give your body all the nutrients it needs to thrive, from calcium to vitamin D, iron and more. Healthy eating plays a role in preventing certain diseases and gives us energy throughout the day. Our bodies need lots of different vitamins and minerals to function at their best, and problems arise when we sometimes can’t get everything we need, even with our best eating efforts. This is where supplementation comes in.
We get most of our vitamin D naturally, from the sun. When skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, a specific type of cholesterol in your skin starts the process of making vitamin D, and the newly converted D is stored in your fat cells until it is called into action. However, as the days get shorter, two things happen – the sun becomes less intense, and we tend to stay indoors more, giving our bodies less of an opportunity to get the sun exposure that’s needed to make vitamin D. 
At Village Green Apothecary, we are always trying to bring you the best and most effective products. We also listen to our customers and clients about what they are looking for. The immune system is one area where many want extra support. A lot of factors play into immune health, including diet, exercise, genetics and environment. And while some of these cannot be changed, things like diet and lifestyle can definitely make a difference.
