Seasonal Depression: Keep Your Mental Health in Check This Winter

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the winter blues, whatever you call it, seasonal depression is real and affects many Americans each year. While scientists aren’t sure exactly why it happens, as the hours of daylight and warmth drops off, many of us feel our mood take a nosedive. If you’re affected by seasonal depression, you might feel moody, lethargic, or depressed. You can lose interest in activities or have sudden weight changes. Your doctor might subscribe treatments and medications. But, there are definitely some natural steps you can take, especially in mild cases. To beat the winter blues and get back to feeling like yourself, try these.

Light Therapy

When we see fewer daylight hours during winter, our natural circadian rhythm can be disrupted. Plus, our levels of serotonin and melatonin fall. And when this happens, it can alter our sleep and mood patterns and lead to depression. A common therapy doctors and therapists prescribe in these cases is light therapy.

The good news is, if you own a Finnleo® Far-Infrared Sauna, you already have access to daily light therapy! Known as phototherapy, the LED lights in a Finnleo Sauna help reset your circadian rhythm. No sauna of your own yet? If you’re interested in light therapy (or your doctor prescribes it), consider a Finnleo Far-Infrared Sauna! 

Increase Endorphins

Did you know hydrotherapy and sauna bathing both increase the release of endorphins? Endorphins are the body’s natural mood-boosting, “feel-good” chemicals. They can even produce a feeling of euphoria. However, if your body doesn’t produce enough endorphins (such as when your circadian rhythm is thrown off by a lack of light), you can feel depressed. 

However, when you sink into the warm bubbly waters of your spa seat or swim spa, or you relax in your sauna, your body releases more endorphins. This can help you beat those winter blues and get back to enjoying your day! 

If you’ve been thinking about adding a hot tub, sauna, or Endless Pools® Fitness System to your home, don’t wait for spring. NOW is the time to start enjoying the mood-boosting benefits. Drop by either of our locations and we’ll help you find just what you’re looking for.