I live in Michigan and January is one of the coldest months of the year – if not the coldest month. Let me tell you, ain’t nobody got time for that – I don’t! I want to avoid the blistering winds as much as possible. And even if I am outside, I’m bundled up to the nines like Randy from A Christmas Story. Plus, with the sun setting sooner and rising later, this means for about a good three months of the year we are living in almost a perpetual state of “darkness” where my skin isn’t getting much Vitamin D from the sun. Unfortunately, environmental issues aren’t the only threat. Other lifestyle factors such as working a third shift, having long hours, and staying indoors too much lead to a potential Vitamin D deficiency. Among many other health issues that can result from having a deficiency, depression is one of the most common especially during winter months. If you want to counteract or you’re looking to avoid seasonal depression here are a few ways you can do it naturally.
1. If you can, soak up some sun.
(Obviously be safe and mindful of the sun’s radiation in the process.)
2. Eat foods that have Vitamin D in them:
- salmon
- sardines
- egg yolk
- shrimp
- milk (fortified)
- cereal (fortified)
- yogurt (fortified)
- orange juice (fortified)
3. Take a daily vitamin or supplement of Vitamin D.
4. Use Essential Oils.
Joy
Topical, Aromatic, (T,A, – in parenthesis how to use for different uses)
“A luxuriously exotic blend with uplifting overtones that creates magnetic energy and brings joy to the heart. When worn as cologne or perfume, Joy exudes an alluring and irresistible fragrance that inspires romance and togetherness. When diffused, it can be refreshing and uplifting.”
Orange
Topical, Aromatic, Internal (T,A,I, – in parenthesis how to use for different uses) *Photosensitivity (don’t go out in direct sunlight when applied)
primary uses – anxiety (AT), calming (AT), constipation (TI), indigestion (T), obesity (IT), oily skin (T), uplifting (A), water purification (IT)
Lemon
Topical, Aromatic, Internal (T,A,I, – in parenthesis how to use for different uses) *Photosensitivity (don’t go out in direct sunlight when applied)
primary uses – too many to list, but is a great cleaning agent and in regards to the topic at hand … depression (AT), grief/sorrow (A), stress (AT), relaxing (AT), uplifting (A), anxiety (AT)
Ylang Ylang
Topical, Aromatic, Internal (T,A,I, – in parenthesis how to use for different uses)
primary uses – calming (AT), crying (A), hair loss (T), high blood pressure (AT), hyperpnea (A), mental fatigue (AT), relaxing (AT), stress (AT), tension (AT) I take this internally for a pick me up and it helps me have a better outlook on the day.
*Young Living Essential Oils are a top of the line company that produces quality therapeutic grade oils – therapeutic grade oils are the only ones you should ever take internally
5. Avoid being in dark rooms.
If you’re already feeling down then being in the dark will only enhance that feeling.
