You know when you bring your potted plants in for the winter and they start to lose their leaves? They turn a less vibrant green and eventually fade to yellow and brown. The same thing happens to us when we come in for the winter! Our sun soaked skin slowly fades from dark to drab, turning sallow and pale. Light therapy is a great way to help counter this, for both plants and people! While I don't suggest you take your plants outside in the winter, you can invest in some nice winter gear and be outside for 30 minutes daily to boost your mind, body, and spirit!
It is worth stepping out on a sunny winter's day to soak up the light of the sun at every opportunity. Why? To reduce any symptoms you may have associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). These include a change in appetite (craving more sweet or starchy foods), weight gain, heaviness in arms and the legs, fatigue, tendency to oversleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and/or aversion to social situations.
Sound familiar? Just 30 minutes of outdoor activity daily is a foundational recommendation in Naturopathic Medicine for good reason! Invest in some good outdoor gear and enjoy the beauty of the season.
