Light therapy is an increasingly popular choice for people suffering from certain mood disorders, specifically those caused by seasonal low light like SAD (seasonal affective disorder).  Light therapy is a very safe, and often effective, alternative to prescription medication for certain people.  Light therapy also referred to as phototherapy (or more traditionally as heliotherapy) is the use of lasers, lamps or full spectrum lights to help induce particular states of mind and body.

Light therapy can be used for a variety of disorders, SAD and mood difficulties being just one variant.  According to proponents, different types of light therapy can also be effective for the treatment of acne, neonatal jaundice, delayed sleep phase syndrome and a variety of other disorders.  Light therapy has recently been suggested as potentially useful for pain management, hair growth, wound healing, and improved circulation.

Light boxes or lamps designed to emit non-UV photo rays, can also help with a variety of insomnia like illnesses.  Light boxes are used to help regulate and/or manipulate melatonin levels in the body.  By sitting in front of one of these lamps or light boxes upon rising (or at your desired wake up time) you train your body to respond to the light and realize that this is daytime, making sleep cycles more regularly.  This is particularly effective for those living in climates where there is little or no daylight during the winter months.

Light therapy is however particularly useful for the treatment of SAD.  According to clinical trials, it may also have a moderate affect on non seasonal depression.  This makes light therapy a promising possibility for use as opposed to, or even in conjunction with standard supplements or prescription therapies.

Trying out a light therapy solution is a good way to go if you feel you might be suffering from a low grade depression, insomnia or a seasonal mood disorder.  It is generally side effect free, so long as you follow the instructions carefully and do not already have light sensitivities or macular degeneration in your eyes.  At the very least, it may shine just a little more light into these long winter days.

Getting down, especially during the darker months of the year, is a problem than affects millions of people across the globe.  If you feel yourself getting a little bit down, or simply a little less motivated and somewhat sluggish during the winter months, then you may be suffering from some sort of seasonal affective disorder.  Seasonal affective disorder, sometimes known as SAD, is a kind of depression that can hit people when they are not exposed to as much sunlight during the colder seasons.

SAD is however just one kind of ailment that can affect a person’s mood.  Depression, anxiety and stress are all other symptoms of mood disorders.  Sometimes it can just be a rough patch or a particularly stressful time that can cause mood problems.  If you feel like you are suffering more than usual from some sort of stress, anxiety or depression, you may want to try a herbal or all natural supplement before hitting any kind of pharmaceutical solution.

St. John’s Wort is a well known and effective mood elevator.  Used traditionally for depression, taking St. John’s Wort has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence and length of depressive episodes.  This is the case though only for those suffering from mild to moderate depression.  If you are having a more serious struggle than you should certainly consult your doctor or health care practitioner.

GABA is another mood elevating supplement.  An amino acid that helps the neurotransmitters in the brain, GABA helps to reduce stress and nervous tension.  GABA is sometimes called the brain’s natural calming agent.  It is great for relaxation and can help promote sleep for those suffering from insomnia.

5HTP is another supplement that can help to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.  It is a mood enhancer that is also a precursor to serotonin (the good feeling hormone).  5HTP can help to increase the nerve impulses between the synapses in the brain thereby improving mood and cognitive function.  It not only has these properties, but it has also been shown to increase the ability and ease of weight loss (a sure way to get you in better spirits).

Instead of suffering through a bout of anxiety and depression or low energy levels until summer roles around, try out a few of these mood elevating substances and see if you can get yourself back into an upbeat sort of mood.  All natural herbal supplements are much safer than their pharmaceutical equivalents and can sometimes be all you need to start feeling better.

When the colder weather comes around people tend to begin to hibernate indoors.  This can be great when you’re cozied up beside your loved ones near a warm fire; however it can also be rather lonely and depressing if you live alone or are simply used to having a more active social life.  Many people also suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as the winter roles in.  As they lose their daily dose of sunshine, they become increasingly depressed and lethargic; thereby further contributing to the winter blues. Read the rest of this entry »

Stress is a major component affecting our overall health. Did you know that it is also one of the major contributing factors to the growing rate of obesity in today’s society? Chronic stress increases the production of hormones and that can create a hormonal imbalance in the body. Cortisol is a chemical that is produced in the body and released into the bloodstream. The more stressed we are the more we release this chemical. High levels of cortisol have been shown to have such negative effects as: blood sugar imbalances, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, decreased muscle tissue and lowered bone density. Read the rest of this entry »

Most people think that happiness is something that will come at some future point, when they get that promotion, find that perfect mate, or achieve the body of their dreams.  Truthfully though, joyful people come in all shapes and sizes with varying bank account balances.  Have you ever noticed your garbage man whistling a tune and grinning ear to ear whilst picking up your trash, or perhaps your waitress at your favourite restaurant who is always smiling and ready to go above and beyond?  Well it is precisely these sorts of people who seem to have a secret that many of the rest of us lack.  Frequently, these people don’t have better jobs, bigger houses, or nicer spouses.  Instead these people most likely practice some of the steps below on a daily basis, if even unconsciously. Read the rest of this entry »

A recent study from the University of Iowa has apparently discovered the secret to long life and happiness. In a study of just over one hundred and fifty centenarians, the researchers were able to prove that satisfaction with one’s earlier life was the key to happiness in old age. Read the rest of this entry »

Every once and a while it is a good idea to check in and see how we are doing on all fronts. Although we might be feeling okay physically, or might be doing well on the financial front, there are times when we need to see if we are living an emotionally healthy lifestyle. Read the rest of this entry »

GABA is short for gamma-aminobutryric acid. It is a naturally occuring chemical in the brain that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter to directly affect your personality and your capability to handle stress. It also affects your sleeping patterns b use GABA helps to relax the brain. Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone wants to live a long, healthy and balanced life. The times when you are truly happy is when you are healthy in mind, body and spirit. For this reason it is important to focus on yourself when possible and make everyday steps towards helping yourself be the best possible person that you can be. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

1.Have a purpose. If you lose sight of what your goals and ambitions are then you may feel lost. Having aspiritions give you a sense of purpose and can help you stay motivated to be healthy and happy. Detemine something that you want to be and write it down along with the things you need to do to get there. For example if you want to run a marathon then sign up for one within six months, a year, etc. Develop a training program and stick with it – the end result will be worth it!

2.Stop complaining. Negativity only produces one thing – more negativity!  Develop a more positive vocabulary and way of thinking and it will get you far. Is there something you find yourself continually complaining about or annoyed by? Instead of getting caught up in the pattern of negativity, turn it around. Address the issue or separate yourself from what brings out the negativity and you will be happier and healthier. Negativity creates stress which can cause illness and disease.

3.Surround yourself with good company. Good people in your life make a world of difference. Find interesting friends who are supportive, healthy and have the same interests as you. Stick with a partner who you have a lot in common with and who supports you in every aspect of the word.

Being your healthiest and happiest self is possible but it is also in your own hands. There is no one to blame but yourself if you are not happy. Find out what you want or need to do and take pro active steps to do it.

Food is an important part of our lives and our diet affects our health in every way. Even our mood is in part subject to how we eat. Certain elements in food can lift your mood by releasing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that help brain cells communicate with one another. Foods that are processed or have trans fat in them will leave you feeling sour yet foods that are healthy and contain nutrients and antioxidants will give you energy and make you feel great. Here are five mood boosting foods:

1.Asparagus. This green veggie may not seem that enticing but it can do wonders for your mood. It has been found to be a natural mood enhancer. It also contains a high amount of Vitamin E which increases sex drive and is great for your skin.

2. Whole grains. Whole grains are an excellent source of Vitamin B. Low levels of this vitamin bring about feelings of fatigue, poor concentration, anxiety and depression. People that suffer from climical depression also often have low levels of one or more of the B vitamins. Eating whole grains will ensure that your levels of this vitamin are sufficient.

3. Peas, pumpkin, and broccoli. Foods that are rich in essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron are energy boosters. As many people are deficient in these minerals, they tend to suffer from depression, sluggishness, and a dreary mood.

4. Smoothies – Three natural mood boosters are orange juice, bananas, and yogurt which can be substitued with milk or soy milk. Making a smoothie with these ingredients will give you energy and will start your day off right.

5. Fish and avocados. Both foods contain high amounts of essential fatty acids which are key in promoting brain and cell function. Without adequate levels of Omega 3’s you can become lethargic and unhappy
Eating a healthy diet will translate into a good mood and healthy outlook on life. It is all about balance – if you eat something that isn’t so healthy it’s not the end of the world, just get back on track again as soon as you can.