I don’t know about you but this year the seasonal depression is really weighing on me. This isn’t something I remember feeling too much of in the past. But while the days are getting longer, it’s usually dark by the time I get home or if it’s not it’s dark within a few minutes. This makes it difficult to want to go out at night, and the lack of sunlight definitely plays with my emotions. Many many adults and children suffer from seasonal depression this time of year. Winter blues can occur when daylight hours are limited, there is no sunshine, and you are in the midst of a post-Christmas slump. There are certain foods that experts recommend that can help improve your mood and ease off your depressive symptoms if you need a little boost.
Are you feeling the winter blues and wanting to get a bit of a pick-me-up? Our friends over at Wren Kitchens have collated some of the best mood-boosting foods, to help beat the winter blues. Try adding these seven foods to your diet to help you get through the next few months. And then daylight savings time will be here soon, and before you know it sunset will be at 9 pm. I cannot wait. Until then I know what I’m having for dinner. In addition, take the time to get outside even if it’s only for a few minutes. Take care of yourself and know that this is only a season, the light is coming!
1. Oats
Wren Kitchens says, “Oats are a great source of fibre and iron, which help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day and ease off any feeling of tiredness, sluggishness, and feeling fed up. Incorporating these into your diet not only in winter but throughout the year will massively help improve and manage your mood.”
2. Turkey
Wren Kitchens says, “Turkey is rich in tryptophan which helps our bodies produce serotonin. Serotonin is the mood-boosting neurotransmitter that helps you to relax and has been suggested to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.[1] This makes it perfect for consumption when wanting to make yourself feel better when feeling the winter blues.”
3. Tuna
According to Wren Kitchens, “Tuna is a great source of selenium which is a nutritionally essential mineral that your body needs for everything from fighting infection to synthesising DNA. It’s essential to keep optimal levels of selenium in your body during the colder months as a low level of this mineral can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression.”
4. Salmon
Here’s why Wren Kitchens says Salmon will help with your seasonal depression, “Salmon is a fatty fish that is rich in omega-3 acids, some of which can be linked to lower levels of depression and a reduction in anxiety, making it perfect for consumption when dealing with winter blues. Research is still ongoing, but the benefits of omega-3s are supported by studies from the National Library of Medicine.”
5. Dark Leafy Greens
They are good for everything! Wren Kitchens says that, “Green vegetables are known to promote good mental and physical health as they’re packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, vitamin C and K – making them a great all-rounder throughout the year, but with particular benefit in winter when we may need the extra boost.”
6. Almonds
What makes almonds so beneficial? Wren Kitchens writes, “Almonds are another great source of tryptophan and magnesium and have many health benefits including helping to promote a stable attitude and sleep, making them a perfect snack for dealing with winter blues.”
7. Dark Chocolate
I’m very strange and actually don’t like chocolate but everyone says it’s an instant mood booster. Wren Kitchens agrees saying, “The last food on our list to help you deal with winter blues is dark chocolate, which is rich in serotonin, flavonoid, and phenylethylamine (PEA) – all known to boost brain health by supporting blood flow and linked to improved moods.”
