Beat the winter blues
The winter blues are characterized by the mil depression, lack of motivation and low energy that many people experience during this cold season.
The winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), usually begin when the days start getting shorter and the sky goes into perpetual gray.
Other symptoms of this disorder are changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little), fatigue, mood changes, trouble concentrating, body aches and overeating (specially carbohydrates)
Scientists say that it's the short days and long nights of winter that create a biochemical imbalance in the part of the brain that regulates many body functions, including sleep, moods and energy levels.
So, if the short, cold days are getting you down, what can you do to feel like yourself again?
Light therapy, healthy eating and exercising are the most common treatments for winter blues.
Light therapy helps about 80 per cent of people. It means spending some time each day exposed to very bright light, at least ten times the intensity of domestic lighting.
Besides, you can make the most of the available light. Go outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible, even for a little walk in the lunch time. Sit near windows, when you can.
A healthy diet is also important, Seasonal Affective Dissorder sufferers usually crave for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes. Try to balance it eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Exercise. Keep active. Any physical activity should help move your energy (externally and internally) and the more often you get off the sofa or chair the better.
Reiki, an energy therapy of Japanese origin, can help to balance body, mind and spirit and to adjust your inner clock to the new situation. Reiki can provide relaxation and help you recover you natural happiness and balanced state.
Reiki can help you reduce your stress levels and therefore you will feel more energized and able to cope with the cold season.
During a Reiki treatment, the client lies fully clothed on a massage table. The practitioner places her hands on various areas of the body, holding them there for certain amount of time. The first thing clients report is a sense of relaxation. The sensations during the treatment can be different from one area to the other and will change from one person to another. Some clients feel heat, while others maybe feel a smooth vibration or a tingling sensation.
The typical treatment lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending upon the recipient in question.
Results can usually be observed fromt the first session, but a minimum of 3-4 sessions are recommended.
Reiki has been used to treat many different disorders at a spiritual, physical, emotional or psychological level. It is not meant to replace conventional medicine, but it is a complementary practice enhancing healing and well-being.
Photo: hj91
