How to Recover from a Winter Slump
With the Spring Solstice just passed, it’s never been a better time to re-energise and refocus as the weather warms up. We enlisted the help of Nutritional Biochemist Dr Elizabeth Steels to discuss her favourite tips for conquering the Winter slump and embracing Spring energy.
Taking Control of your Diet
Nutritional status is intertwined with our emotions and behaviour [1] – eating the right foods and getting the right balance of vitamins and minerals is a great way to say goodbye to that winter slump.
Focusing on whole foods is an easy place to start. Trying to incorporate colourful whole foods into your daily meals and your snacks. Colourful foods like radishes, capsicums, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers are all full of vitamins and minerals that are linked to supporting your energy, happiness and wellbeing [2].
Sleep in for your Health
With the average Australian needing seven to eight hours of sleep a night, your winter slump could be linked to a lack of quality sleep. Research has shown that long term poor sleep patterns are correlated with low mood, anxiety and stress [3].
Sleeping allows your brain rest at night and helps your brain to re-energise so you can reach your goal to wake up recharged and ready to take on the day ahead.
Supplementing for Energy
Your body uses a complex mix of Vitamins and Minerals to support your energy. Unfortunately, you need to replenish these nutrients daily or your energy levels may decrease over time. Luckily for us, there are a range of nutrient supplementation options to support your diet, that are also great for boosting your energy levels.
Ubiquinol is just one of the useful antioxidants required for energy production and maintaining our energy levels. As the active form of the Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), it is found naturally in our bodies and in whole foods such as meat, chicken, vegetables including spinach, as well as peanuts and sardines. Depending on your lifestyle, Ubiquinol levels in your body may be insufficient for your energy requirements and perhaps supplementation is an option that could support your energy levels as we leave the Winter slump behind us.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare practitioner.
Thank you Dr Steels – these are certainly 3 simple tips anyone can follow. How do you beat the Winter slump? Let us know in the comments below.
Article references:
[1] LaChance, L.R. and D. Ramsey, Antidepressant foods: An evidence-based nutrient profiling system for depression. World J Psychiatry, 2018. 8(3): p. 97-104. [Article]
[2] Ocean, N., P. Howley, and J. Ensor, Lettuce be happy: A longitudinal UK study on the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and well-being. Soc Sci Med, 2018. 222: p. 335-345. [Article]
[3] http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/fact-sheets-a-z/188-insomnia.html
CommentA good and balanced diet is essential. Unfortunately, as we age, we have to think about what we eat. It is important to supplement vitamins and trace elements. I use quite a lot of natural remedies and herbs.