Shorter Days and Longer Nights
As the weather takes a dramatic turn during the fall season, many of us may feel apprehensive about the shorter days and lack of sunlight to come. As winter approaches, it’s natural to withdraw and move inward to conserve energy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Winter is a season where things slow down and we spend time more time resting and nurturing ourselves. But the demands of our busy lives often prevent us from sleeping as much as we need and eating the right foods to keep us warm and nourished during the colder weather. To stay in sync with the shifting seasons, here are some tips to feeling your best when the weather changes. While it’s common to experience temporary seasonal depression, more serious and chronic depression should be discussed with your doctor.

Take Your Vitamins
Vitamin D is actually converted into a hormone that the body creates naturally from food and sunshine. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is found in plant-based foods such as cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens, whereas vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is supplied to the body through exposure to sunlight and supports immunity and a healthy mood. When supplementing with Vitamin D, always choose the form of D3, as it is much more bio-available, and thus better utilized by the body. For energy and balance, consider supplementing with a high quality B vitamin complex as well, making sure to include multi-minerals and co-enzymes for Vitamin B metabolism. Consult with a doctor about a simple blood test to find out if you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals.

Eat Wisely
Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel may also help relieve occasional feelings of sadness. Omega 3 fatty acids help form cell membranes and keep them soft and flexible, which allows for better passage of serotonin through cells. They also help with chronic inflammation which is recognized as a contributing factor in depression and mental health imbalances. Studies have revealed lower rates of depression in countries where people eat more fish. Additionally, foods such as brown rice, whole grains, lentils, fish, and turkey are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin production. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter associated with greater feelings of well-being and happiness.

Exercise
Regular exercise — even just a brisk daily walk — is not only beneficial for your health and physique, but also for your mind and emotions. Brief physical activity releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that cause you to feel happy and satisfied. Exercise can also help to generate new neurons in the brain, thereby improving memory and brain function. Moving your body provides a powerful outlet for stress, so even if you may not immediately feel happier, you can still feel as though you are releasing unexpressed stress and tension which contributes to overall health and well being.

Powerful Botanical Extract
Honokiol is a botanical extract which has been shown to offer multiple health benefits, including support for a healthy mood. Purified Honokiol is the active ingredient derived from the bark of the Magnolia officianalis tree which has been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. HonoPure by EcoNugenics is the purest form of honokiol available, containing 98% honokiol. Pure Honokiol is a potent antioxidant with a free radical scavenging ability 1,000 times greater than vitamin E. It also provides critical cellular health benefits. For natural stress relief, pure Honokiol offers subtle calming effects shown to promote gentle relaxation and support a healthy mood.

Learn more about HonoPure here.

Tags: antioxidants, cells, depression, fish, mental health, omega 3, seasonal affective disorder