Winter's slower daily rhythms inspire self-care routines to stay centered. Reduced sunlight in the winter months can affect the serotonin levels that drive our moods. Being outside during the daylight, even when it’s cold out, helps boost your vitamin D levels, supports your immune system, and lifts your mood. Spending time in nature eases your nervous system into a more relaxed state — reducing stress and lowering your blood pressure. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we tend to feel the effects of reduced sunlight more often. Here are some easy ways to combat the winter blues and to stay centered and uplifted during winter’s remaining shorter days: Take 1000-4000 IU’s Vitamin D, get daily exercise to boost serotonin, put your face in the sun whenever it comes out, try an ultra violet lamp if you can’t get outside, get plenty of Folic acid which can help to alleviate feelings of fatigue (which are commonly experienced by those who suffer from the winter blues), fortify your diet with Vitamin B6 and B12 which can also help with these symptoms. A diet filled with broccoli, brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, spring greens and spinach, in addition to legumes such as peas, lentils, chickpeas and kidney beans will provide the full spectrum B6, B12 and folate/B9. When our bodies are in a state of balance, our overall well-being is supported.
At Bradbury Clinic we support our community by providing Chiropractic care, Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support the body in optimum health: www.bradburyclinic.com
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