Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more than just what people refer to as the “winter blues”. Those who have it find it difficult to function in daily life. So, what can you do if you find yourself experiencing seasonal sadness? 1. Increase sunlight exposure (even if it is a scare amount). Consider getting an artificial sunlight lamp. 2. Exercise. This can relieve stress, build energy levels, and improve physical well-being. 3. Take a supplement. Vitamin D3, specifically, has positive effects on mood and seasonal affective disorder. 4. Get a massage. Besides feeling great, it can also improve your mood.
Community News
Community Profile: Kelburn Estates
Kelburn Estates Mental Health & Addictions Recovery Centre is a private residential wellness centre on 45 beautiful acres along the red river, here in Manitoba. We pride ourselves in providing confidential and multi-disciplinary expertise for our guests to reclaim, develop, and sustain a meaningful life. A life free from the destructive mental health disease and related substance abuse. Our mission is to create and maintain a lasting relationship with our guests, families, and community service providers. At Kelburn Estates, we will walk with you on your journey to recovery.
Need Some Quiet Time?
Studies show that noise has a powerful physical effect on our brains, causing elevated levels of stress hormones. Noise has also been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, tinnitus, and loss of sleep.
But now science has proof that not only noise HURTS, but that silence HEALS. Silence relieves stress and tension in our bodies, is replenishing, and nourishes our cognitive resources. Noise makes us lose our concentration, cognitive powers, and causes decreased motivation and brain functioning.
Perhaps the ancient masters had it right. Spending time in silence can immediately relax us, promote healing, and balance the body and mind.
Gut Feeling
Poor gut health has been linked to fatigue, mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and a variety of conditions associated with nutrient deficiencies, such as anemia. Fibre is a great way to keep things regular and increase the elimination of toxins and waste from your digestive tract. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and grasses. If reaching the recommended 10 servings of vegetables per day seems unattainable, consider adding a greens powder to your daily routine to make things easier. Look for a product that is gluten-free, contains probiotics, and is cold-pressed, as this maintains enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Optimize Your Health
Optimize your neurology and you optimize your health! Did you know that the metatarsal area of your foot has over 10,000 nerve receptors? Their main purpose in life is to report back to your brain, via your nervous system, what is happening in your body. A neurological problem, such as MS, Parkinson’s, and Fibromyalgia can compromise messaging to the brain. Voxxlife HPT helps to improve that communication. VOXX HPT is a very specific sequence and pattern of neuroreceptor activation on the bottom of the feet that triggers a signal that aides in the brainstem reaching homeostasis. Voxxlife is a proud “cause-partner” with the Canadian MS Society.
Keep Your Joints Happy
Many of us have an old injury, or joint that tends to stiffen up with a change in weather. With an increase in barometric pressure or humidity, especially in these nasty cold spells we’ve been experiencing, our joints get cold and cranky just like the rest of us. These changes cause the “synovial fluid” in our joints to increase in viscosity, causing inflammation. A few easy ways to keep our joints happy is with extra layers of warmth. For examples: Wearing Long John’s, a knee or elbow sleeve, tensor bandage or even putting your clothes in the dryer before putting them on. Stay warm out there!
Maximize Activity after Surgery
Almost 56,000 hip replacements and 67,000 knee replacements were performed in Canada in 2016-2017. To assist in successful outcomes of increased function and mobility, physiotherapy is critical after surgery. Increasing post-operative activity benefits your strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, energy, weight, outlook, and the ability to ward off other health problems. Your new knee or hip allows for greater independence through movement. Early return of joint range of motion and weight bearing is key to recovery, and physiotherapy is important in getting you back to your old self. Discuss a personalized rehabilitation plan with your physiotherapist and enjoy a successful outcome.
Benefits of Companionship
Whether it is a close friendship or an intimate relationship, social interaction is needed to prevent health decline in seniors. Loneliness is a risk factor for functional decline in adults over the age of 60. Something as simple as a friendship can enhance aging hearts and strengthen the immune system. Companionship can decrease the physical risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. The psychological benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased stress, and a sense of belonging. Older adults can also benefit from having a pet. Dogs, in particular, can open seniors up to new activities and interests.
Signs of Poor Mental Health
It can be hard to know if someone is suffering from poor mental health. It is impossible to know the thoughts another person is experiencing unless they share them with us. If you suspect someone may be struggling, look for common signs of poor mental health, such rapid mood swings, increased anxiety, social withdrawal, and lack of self care. Other signs to look for include concentration or memory issues, lack of motivation, and withdrawing from friends and activities. Offering to listen and sharing about your mental health can open up lines of communication so they can start to feel better.
Fresh like Spring
If you’re like me, you must be anticipating the newness of Spring as the season approaches. With our long winter’s nap nearly behind us, we can start to grow and blossom like fresh rosebuds. Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunities to be renewed and healthy – like getting outdoors, being active, enjoying fresh, smoke free air, living cleaner and growing stronger. It’s like a second ‘New Year’, a second chance to make 2019 the healthiest, and most rewarding year yet. What changes will you be making this Spring and who will be making the changes with you?
Tips for Stress-Free Travel – Tip #3
Would you love a stress-free vacation? Follow our planning tips for the most relaxing holiday.
Check your destination’s holiday schedule.
If you’re going out of province or country for your travels, do a quick Google search to check the dates of local holidays.
You’d be surprised how many variations there are between Quebec and Ontario, or even between European towns. Ensure that your side trip from Barcelona to Girona is planned on a day when the museums and restaurants are actually open.
