Beating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Science for the Darkest Days

In this episode, we discuss the significance of the winter solstice, the impact of reduced sunlight on mental health, particularly seasonal affective disorder, and practical strategies to combat the winter blues. We talk about the importance of exercise, light therapy, and social interaction, while also exploring ancient cultural perspectives on the solstice as a time for reflection and renewal.Thanks for listening 💙Resources:https://neurosciencenews.com/exercise-hormones-neuroscience-30054/Winter Solsticehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solsticehttps://www.silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/winter-solsticehttps://theseasonalsoul.com/winter-solstice-meaning/https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/winter-solsticehttps://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/solstice/what-is-the-winter-solstice/https://exploredeeply.com/live-your-purpose/winter-solstice-spiritual-meaninghttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/heres-why-the-winter-solstice-is-significant-in-cultures-across-the-worldhttps://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/66596https://www.britannica.com/science/winter-solsticehttps://adventure.com/winter-solstice-meaning/https://rebeccadouglas.co.uk/10-simple-and-beautiful-ways-to-celebrate-winter-solstice/https://heartofenglandforest.org/news/celebrations-and-mysticism-winter-solsticeSeasonal Depressionhttps://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/tips-for-coping-with-sad/https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/seasonal-affective-disorderhttps://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-winter-blues-and-self-care-tips-to-get-ahead-of-symptoms/2023/11https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/health-advice/how-to-combat-seasonal-affective-disorder/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722