Many people often associate seasonal depression with winter and fall months. But did you know that the warmer and longer spring (spring fever) and summer days can actually play a part in emotional and mental distress?
Here are 4 ways that you can combat seasonal depression in spring and summer:
Check your Vitamin D levels throughout the year
Vitamin D levels are often an overlooked factor when it comes to mood and physical wellbeing, including immune system functionality. As we age, our body has a harder time producing vitamin D on its own. Living in a sunshine state doesn’t preclude you from having low vitamin D levels. Plan ahead and get your
vitamin D levels monitored throughout the year so that when the seasons change, you know what your levels are up against.
Fuel your brain
Brain fuel is of key importance. Our brain chemicals (
dopamine,
serotonin, etc) rely on food as fuel. Proteins are essential for our neurotransmitter pathway conversions as well as to stabilize our blood sugars. A nutrient-dense diet provides our neurotransmitters with the nutrient cofactors needed to convert a protein to a neurotransmitter such as serotonin or dopamine.
Don’t wait for the season to change to get outdoors
A common idea is to wait to do outdoor activities until the seasons change to a perfect condition. To combat seasonal mood changes, make sure you get outdoors daily (unless the weather is dangerous). This will encourage dopamine and endorphin production as well as help you get some of that vitamin D. In exchange, you will feel an energy burst and a sense of accomplishment.
When in doubt, supplements can help you out
Don’t overlook the power of supplementation to help with some of the heavy liftings for your mood. Using a high-quality multivitamin such as a
brain supplement can give you the boost you need as you transition through the next season. Always check with your doctor before beginning new supplements.