Seasonal affective disorder breakthrough starts with knowing that this is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. It can also be called seasonal depression. It begins and ends about the same time every year.
Some professionals are sad at the same time each year. This can reduce the power and effectiveness they have. It takes the fun and joy out of life. Their family can be impacted.
I see this with some of the clients I serve. There are 3 things you can do to break this depressive cycle.
#1: Seasonal Affective Disorder Breakthrough Using Light Therapy
Light can help reduce this depression. According to mayoclinic.org’s article on “Seasonal Affective Disorder”:
“In light therapy, also called phototherapy, you sit a few feet from a special light box so that you’re exposed to bright light within the first hour of waking up each day. Light therapy mimics natural outdoor light and appears to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood.”
There are a few ways you can use light.
First, you can go outside and get natural light from the sun. You will get vitamin D too, which helps depression.
Second, you can buy a special light box and be in front of that for 1 or more hours per day.
Third, you can get light therapy treatments from a professional. This is called photobiomodulation. I do this for my clients with depression. It is very effective. I use it on myself and my son weekly.
ACTION STEP: When the sun is out, go outside and get some natural light. Enjoy the warmth on your skin. Let the light shine on your face. Bask in the healing.
You can reduce your depression by adding light into your life. It is very powerful.
#2: Seasonal Affective Disorder Breakthrough Using Laughter
Laughing can reduce depression and help you access your inner joy. There are scientific studies showing laughter reduces depression.
Laughter is fun. You can feel relaxed from laughter.
I have used laughter for 15 years to help people reduce depression. Laughter boosts your mood. You can feel better in seconds by laughing. It is amazingly powerful.
You can learn to laugh anytime you want. It does take practice. You can shift your state in less than a minute. You can change your physiology quickly. Laughter can even be a form of exercise.
ACTION STEP: Find a way to laugh. You can watch a comedy and get some laughs this way. You can watch a comedian on YouTube. You can read a funny book. Just make sure you get some laughs.
How do you feel after you laugh? I notice that I feel lighter. Stress is lower. Mood is better.
You can learn to find your inner joy by laughing. Fake laughter can turn into real laughter.
The key: When you take action for your health and well-being, you can access your power.
I had a client called Jo who had seasonal depression for 50 years. We did light therapy for 5 treatments. I lasered her forehead. We did laughter yoga monthly. She also used laughter in her life. She was also in a women’s group. Her seasonal depression is gone!
You can also get more energy by laughing. Restoring your power by using light and laughing can make a difference right now. You can create a breakthrough for yourself right now😊.
#3: Seasonal Affective Disorder Breakthrough Using Exercise
Exercise can help you reduce depression. According to psychcentral.com’s John Grohol in his article “Self Help Strategies for Seasonal Affective Disorder”:
“Exercise and its benefits for the blues
Exercise has proven to help people combat feeling of the blues in the winter. Not only does exercise improve mood, but it also has been shown to reduce stress, which often exacerbates feelings of depression brought on by the winter blues.
Studies have pointed out that one hour doing aerobic exercise outside (even with a cloudy sky overhead) had the same benefits as 2.5 hours of light treatment indoors. Aerobic exercise can help a person rid themselves of the feelings of depression. Briskly walking, taking a run, skiing, sledding and having a snowball fight have all be proven to help suffers of the blues feel better.”
So, walking and running are 2 great ways to reduce seasonal depression. I prefer walking and almost anybody can walk.
Going for a walk can be a simple way to reduce depression. There is scientific research showing walking reduces sadness.
Walking and running get your body in motion. It loosens up your joints. It gets your blood flowing. The best time to walk is when the sun is out. Get some vitamin D. Vitamin D also helps reduce depression.
You are in action when you walk or run. This can also help you relax. Exercise reduces depression. There are many benefits of walking and running.
You can use your sense perceptions. See the blue sky or the clouds. Hear the birds or the wind in the trees. Feel the temperature on your skin. Come into the present moment. Connect with your life.
You can walk or run for 5 minutes to 45 minutes. It’s all good.
ACTION STEP: Go for a walk. Ideally, when the sun is out. 5 minutes to 45 minutes.
When you walk while the sun is out, you can reduce your depression and heal. You may even feel some joy bubble up😊.
I go outside in the sun every day. I walk 5-7 days per week outside. It feels good to move. If you do a 45-minute walk, the endorphins can kick in. You can feel good😊.
You can connect with the power of nature by being outside. You can access the energy that is present. This can heal you.
You can use walking outside in the sun to reduce seasonal sadness. You can even mix them together. Go for a walk in the sun and laugh😊. I do.
You can get a seasonal affective disorder breakthrough by adding light, laughter and exercise into your daily life😊!
To Your Happiness,
Jim Twomey
Tucson’s Depression and Anxiety Breakthrough Specialist
Founder and CEO of Peace for You
