4 Ways to Fight the Blues

Seasonal Depression is Real

During the change of season may bring about more changes than just the weather. Many people feel down, lose sleep or just feel like they can't get out of bed. These feelings may lead to losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, experiencing changes in your appetite or weight, feeling sluggish or agitated or even have difficulty concentrating. More severe reactions may lead to having frequent thoughts of death or suicide. These changes in mood and attitude are a sub-type of depression. But getting more active as well as eating more of certain foods can help change these feelings and increase those happy hormones that lessen these emotions.

Here are 4 ways to change your mood and increase your energy.

1. Take a Walk. Walking is the simplest form of exercise. You don't need special equipment. You just need a comfortable pair of shoes. Walking as little as 30 minutes a day can help you decrease your risk for Type II Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. What's more is you don't have to walk 30 minutes in a row. You can walk for 10 minutes at a time for 3 times that day. If you just walk 10 minutes before or after each meal, it will quickly add up to that 30 minutes.

2. Dance daily. If you've seen "Dancing with the Stars" and other dance competitions, you'll see how the celebrities are losing weight by dancing. Dancing burns calories just like walking, but many find that the music and movement are more fun-which means maybe you'll dance a little longer. Still aim for that 30 minutes of dancing and don't worry if you miss a beat here and there just smile and enjoy it.

3. Chunk of Chocolate. Dark chocolate is better than milk chocolate which doesn't have the flavanoids found in 85% or more of cacao varieties. These flavonoids help the body release serotonin and another feel-good hormone called dopamine. Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter, while endorphins are hormones that work with the endocrine system and released in our bodies. Opt for approximately 30g to 60g/day (roughly 1 to 2 ounces) of dark chocolate a day.

4. Eat healthier. Take control of your eating habits and you'll start to feel better. Key foods to incorporate into your diet weekly are salmon, tuna, spinach and avocados. There's evidence that foods with omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and tuna) and folic acid (such as spinach and avocado) could help ease depression. Try to get each of these foods in at least 3 times per week.

If simple changes like these do not improve your attitudes and feelings, you may be battling a more serious form of depression which may lead to addictive behaviors. Addictions to food, alcohol or drugs are serious. At Detox of South Florida, they provide every visitor with the treatment they require to feel better about the future. From the outside looking in, it is easy to believe that addiction treatment is full of challenges and roadblocks. Detox of South Florida helps patients with mental health, alcohol and drug addictions through detoxification and counselling.