Life in the northern hemisphere can be tough at the best of times, particularly when the nights start drawing in. But even at the height of summer, it’s not unheard of for the sun to be absent for large parts of the day. The absence of good weather is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a depression that is most acutely felt in the winter months. People with SAD suffer from fatigue, low mood, and antisocial feelings. So, how can you set your day up right when the weather isn’t doing its thing?
Exercise
Getting plenty of exercise will boost your levels of serotonin and other feel-good brain chemicals. You should spend as much time as you can outside, particularly in the morning, as this will top up your levels of Vitamin D and boost your overall mood.
Socialise
Even if you feel like crawling up and staying under the duvet, socialising with your friends is an excellent way to lift your mood. Give your best friend a call or find ways to meet new people. You could join a walking or running club, for instance, so you can exercise and socialise at the same time.
Enjoy a breakfast smoothie
Rustling up a delicious breakfast smoothie can also help you improve your mood when the sun isn’t shining. Some winning combos include:
- Blueberries & raspberries – they provide your Vitamin C fix, which can help to reduce levels of stress.
- Oats & bananas – This combo provides you with an ideal level of slow-release sugars. They boost your feel-good serotonin, too, which provides you with decent energy levels without dipping in the afternoon. Bananas also contain mood mellowing tryptophan, potassium, and magnesium, which can help you relax.
So, instead of starting the day with a meat feast or sugar-rich cereals, consider turning to a nutrient-packed breakfast smoothie to start the day with a bang and stave off some of those blue feelings that you’re struggling to shake. You can pick your own bundle with Lovestruck to get started today or browse through their collection to find the dream breakfast smoothie option to start your day the right way.
