The winter season brings with it many exciting undertakings. I would like to share with you a major personal achievement. As you know I have been studying at the School of Applied Functional Medicine. Recently I passed my Level One exam! This ongoing learning provides you with more expertise when we work together. Besides learning, some recent fun seasonal activities include skiing, snowshoeing, and the new Star Wars movie.
Why would I mention a dark theater?
Because the purpose of this post is to share with you how light affects our mood... I’ve mentioned circadian rhythm and how it affects our sleep cycles, but now I would like to talk with you about how it affects our mood. We are deep into the winter months, which means shorter days and less daylight. Some of my clients are feeling a little ‘blue’ and experiencing what we might call Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. The good news is we are beyond the midpoint of the winter solstice and the days are getting longer. But in the meantime here are some things you can do to put a little pep in your day. Dull winter days can be brightened up with a full spectrum light which some may call the Happy Light or other light therapy treatments like Sun Touch Plus which releases healthy, negative ions into the air for added therapy and regulates our circadian rhythm to keep us aligned to seasonal patterns. Vitamin D – a fat soluble vitamin which comes from the sun. Even if you were butt naked on the ski slopes during the winter, your body still would not absorb enough Vitamin D because of the latitude and axis of the sun. If the sun is low enough, UVB rays are completely blocked by the atmosphere before they even reach our skin. If we are deficient in Vitamin D, it could cause a greater risk of depression. Fish oil (omega 3 essential fats, specifically high DHA) – Be sure it’s a high quality one! We get Omega 3 fatty acids from the algae that the fish eat. DHA is the Omega-3 mostly found in the eye and in the brain, making up cell membrane there, thus enhancing normal cell function and neural communication. Regular exercise – Even moderate levels of physical exercise, like walking 20-30 minutes a day can increase endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine, the pleasure neurotransmitter. These chemicals all work together to make you feel good! I offer functional medicine knowledge, simple lifestyle suggestions to arrive at targeted solutions which improve your health. Thank you for this opportunity to share my gifts with you!
Workshops:
Seduction by Chocolate at Newton South High School Tues. Jan.,30th from 7:30 - 8:30 PM Tap Away Stress at Newton South High School Mon., Feb 12th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM Want to Change Your Life? As a health coach, I work with clients individually to guide them to healthier nutrition and lifestyle choices. This has been proven to increase focus, improve energy levels, improve sleep patterns and alter chronic health issues. You can learn to decrease food cravings, manage stress, and help maintain a healthier balance in all areas of your life! Whether you are managing allergies, food intolerance, gut health, sleep issues, weight management or elimination diets, you do not have to face these issues alone. As a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, , I am a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and practitioner at the School of Applied Functional Medicine who can help you work through these issues and resolve them. In good health! Holli Bassin hollibassin.com