SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) severely affects between four and six percent of Americans, a further 10 to 20 percent are subject to the effects of what is commonly referred to as “winter blues.”

Here we unpack our LYMA approved steps to help relieve symptoms experienced by those affected – who are four times more likely to be women.

Seasonal affective disorder occurs during winter when the days are short and sunshine is scarce. SAD makes you, inevitably, sad. It’s a sadness of spirit, to the point where you’re less likely to put yourself out there and take risks. It reduces your desire to exercise, which conserves energy, and it can also lower libido. It can mean you feel depressed, crave junk food – particularly carbs – and feel lazy.

Research has indicated that Vitamin D plays a vital role in mental health. Vitamin D is absorbed through sunlight, so naturally during the winter period, your body has access to less Vitamin D. Ashwagandha, a plant rich in vitamins, has been pinned at the go-to supplement for those in need of an uplift in mood. Currently, LYMA has the highest (and healthiest) dosage of Vitamin D and also contains the highest grade of ashwagandha, Sensoril®.

Exercise can boost your mood and protect you from the seasonal flu virus that crops up every year. Try a resistance workout like this as these kind of moves can be the best way to increase your body’s defenses. Resting is really essential in order to decrease the stresses on the nervous system. Overtraining could make you more vulnerable to illness, so make sure you get the right balance between more intense and less intense workouts (boxing versus yoga for example).

Ginger is great for boosting the immune system and has so many benefits. You can make ginger tea, eat it raw ginger or add it to your broth or soup. If you’re sick, garlic is a great way to rev up your immune system. People have even been known to suck on a clove of raw garlic for a few minutes to get its benefits or maybe add some to beetroot or carrot juice.

Believe it or not, a blast of cold water at the end of your AM shower can really help boost your metabolism and serotonin which can lead to increased immune power and mood enhancement. Cryotherapy is equally as effective and can be useful in reducing stress.

Sleep is your immune system’s prime time. It’s when it recharges, hence why sleep deprivation is one of worst things for your bodies. Around 10pm is when our body is making human growth hormone (which helps repair our body) and builds immune systems. Sleeping in complete darkness increases the benefits so try to transform your room into a bat cave at night – no light at all, not even from your TV standby button.

Start eating foods like sauerkraut or kimchi whose fermentation processes, which produce beneficial bacteria (pro-biotics), play an important role in your intestinal health. Most of your immune cells are located inside your intestines; so the healthier your intestines, the healthier your immune system. LYMA’s Wellmune® Blend is a real immunity superpower.

Stress comes in many shapes and sizes. Make sure you know that it's ok not to have all of your life together and try to go with the flow. In the meanwhile, I would advise managing anxiety by means of meditation, yoga, massage, charity work or even learning something new.

For more information on LYMA’s quality ingredients click here.