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Exercise & Seasonal Affective Disorder

How To Ward Off A Seasonal Slump

Taking action to preserve your vitamin D levels could be key to smiling brightly when winter comes around. New research reveals how to keep your vitamin D stocks high. As we bask in glorious summer sun, most of us enjoy a serotonin boost that lifts our mood. However, when the days shorten and the skies darken, many people experience a dip in mood and energy.

For some, this seasonal slump deepens into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that recurs annually during the fall and winter months.

While light therapy and mindfulness practices have long been recommended, new research highlights a powerful natural ally in the fight against seasonal sadness: exercise – specifically the unique effect it has on vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D is credited with the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Those who are depressed commonly have low vitamin D levels and vitamin D deficiency is shown to exacerbate SAD. However, researchers have found that supplementation of vitamin D does not directly improve symptoms. This is where exercise comes in.

Physical activity is a well-regarded mental health booster, and a well-balanced workout routine is shown to reduce poor mental health days by almost 50%. Now, with this new discovery, we can see exercise doesn’t just boost mood through endorphins – it also helps sustain the biochemical foundation for mental health by preserving vitamin D levels when sunlight is scarce.

Try these practical tips for year-round wellness:

  • Move regularly: Aim for at least 3 to 4 sessions of moderate-intensity exercise per week
  • Mix it up: Combine cardio and strength training with mindfulness-based activities like yoga or guided meditation.
  • Get outside when possible: Even limited sunlight can help, and time in nature has its own mood-boosting effects.

Remember, exercise is more than a tool for physical fitness – it’s a vital strategy for maintaining mental health and biochemical balance. By staying active, you’re not just lifting weights – you’re lifting your mood, your immunity, and your vitamin D levels.

It’s important not to confuse SAD with the plain old winter blues, which everyone experiences at some time or other during the coldest, darkest months.

Anyone who feels they are suffering severely from SAD should, in the first instance, consult their health professional to determine the best treatment options. For the rest of us, getting out in nature and staying active will go a long way to letting a little sunshine into our lives.

To access the full article on exercise and Seasonal Affective Disorder, click here.

Useful links:

1.      Ease seasonal affective disorder with exercise routine | BCM

2.      Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

3.      Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression) Therapist in San Jose and Los Gatos, CA

4.      How Seasonal Affective Disorder and Physical Exercise Are Linked