There seems to be a lot of darkness right now and with winter approaching and days getting shorter, more darkness is imminent. However, instead of letting it consume you, there are things you can do to overcome the darkness!
I am in fact talking about two different kinds of darkness. The first one that I would like to battle is the shorter, darker days. While there is nothing we can do about that unless we are able to go south for the winter, which is not the case for most of us. There are things we can do to help us more than just “get through” the winters, like..
The Sunshine Vitamin
Taking vitamins (supplements) This is very important, along with a healthy diet. Especially vitamin D! This Vitamin is produced by the body in response to skin being exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin”. During the darker days when we are not exposed to the sun, this supplement can help immensely. Make sure they are of good quality. I recommend the Complete Essentials from Isagenix. You can click HERE if you would like to check them out. Or you can go to any health food store and ask what they would recommend.
*Studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression. These researchers believe that because vitamin D is imperative to healthy brain function, insufficient levels may contribute to depression and other mental illnesses.
Light Therapy To Help Overcome The Darkness
Other ways to overcome the darkness is to try to get outside as much as you can, especially when it is sunny. Try to be out in the sun for at least 10-30 minutes per week. 🌞 If the sun isn’t shining you can turn on all the lights in your house. Or a less expensive way is to purchase a Light Therapy Lamp. The Miroco is on sale right now at Amazon for $37.99. (You can click on the name to find out more about them.) I have this one and recommend it. You can set the time on it to automatically turn off and you can set the brightness. It is small enough to take or put just about anywhere. Mine is on my desk right now. Another thing you can do is,
Go for walks or if the weather isn’t good, put on a funny show and walk in place for the entire show. (Or as much as you can safely handle). I always put on a funny show when I do this, because laughter is incredible for lightening your mood during dark days.
Relieve Stress in Just 10 Minutes
If you have a dog or a cat, make sure to pet them often. If you do not have a pet, see if you can volunteer at a humane society. These animals can bring such enjoyment and brightness to your life. Also, researchers at Washington State University have found that petting a dog or cat can relieve stress in JUST 10 minutes.
To help overcome the darkness, always remember that no matter how dark and cloudy the days are. The sun is still there and always shining. 🌞 And the darkness is only temporary. oh, and SMILE! It will brighten your mood.
The second kind of darkness I want to battle will be in my next blog…….
If you enjoyed reading this, you may enjoy my blog about navigating through the storms of life. CLICK HERE TO READ IT.
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