Aligning With Seasons
Seasons are four divisions of the year signifying cyclical consistent annual changes in the weather of spring, summer, winter and fall. The seasons winter, spring, summer and autumn are commonly referred to in the Northern Hemisphere as being the winter solstice, the year’s shortest days. The winter solstice is the day of the year with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night. It occurs when the earth’s pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun which happens twice yearly once in each hemisphere Northern and southern. In the Northern hemisphere this is the December solstice peaking in December 21 or 22 marking the beginning of lengthening days and shorter nights as the first day of the winter season.
The winter solstice can have different effects on people according to a study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry people suffering from Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD) secrete the hormone melatonin for longer periods during the nights which can lead to symptoms of depression, fatigue and weight gain, however it is important to note that humans are not too believed to be all that seasonal and there are exceptions to this. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs in 6 percent of the U.S. population during specific periods of the year in late fall and winter due to lack of sunlight. This condition can be alleviated by a range of natural remedies that can be used to treat and prevent symptoms including healthy diet, exercising outdoors to help boost mood and energy levels.
Naturally treat Seasonal Affective Disorder exercising once per day to boost physical energy to help regulate sleep patterns improving overall health. Light therapy is effective in treating SAD involving sitting in front of a light box that emits bright light for 30 minutes to an hour each day. The light mimics the natural outdoor light and can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythms the 24-hour cycles that are part of your bodies internal clock running in the background to carry out essential bodily functions and processes. According to the Sleep Foundation it is important to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm keeping a constant sleep schedule, getting light exposure and exercising daily. The body’s internal clock is naturally aligned with the cycle of day and night synchronized with a biological clock in the brain. When properly aligned the circadian rhythm can promote constant restorative sleep coordinating mental and physical systems.
Sleep rejuvenation is a naturally occurring state categorized by an altered state of consciousness of the body in a state of relaxation with inhibited sensory activity. According to the Sleep Foundation insufficient sleep patterns may lead to disorders and increase the risk of heart disease, infections and obesity. Lifestyle habits contribute to good sleep hygiene valuable for benefiting from sleeping through the night improving overall health. Discover how to fight insomnia allowing you to sleep through the night awaking feeling rejuvenated, ready to start your day. Research indicates people who are fatigued are more likely to develop depression influencing mood and interaction with others. People who sleep well sleeping 6-8 hours per night operate at a whole new level of awareness compared to people who sleep for minimal amounts of time 2-4 hours per night.
Vitamin D is essential for bones and teeth and plays a role in regulating mood. Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin following exposure to sunlight of the season and is believed to play a role in serotonin activity that plays a role in bodily functions regulating mood. It is often referred to as the body’s feel good chemical when serotonin levels are at normal levels you will feel focused, happier, calmer and emotionally stable. Exposure to the sun is the best natural source of vitamin D. Spending even a short time in the sun light of the season can provide the body with all the vitamin D it needs for the day. To increase natural levels. NatureWise vitamin D supplements 5000 IU is the highest potency per serving the daily requirement recommended by the Vitamin D counsel to restore vitamin D levels in adults with minimal sun exposure. It is essential for bone health. provides immune support and promotes healthy muscle function.
Winter is the coldest season of the year in polar and temperate climates occurring after autumn leading to seasonal change. Spring is known as springtime is one of the four temperate seasons succeeding winter and proceeding summer. During spring the days and nights are twelve hours long equating to 24 hours each day with daytime light increasing and nighttime light decreasing as the season progresses until the summer solstice in June when the season of summer begins again. The first day of spring also known as the equinox has been traditionally celebrated either on March 20 or March 21 of each year. The beginning of spring is not fixed on any calendar, but its definition relates to biological indicators that contribute to the change of the season every year. Spring is a time of regrowth, rejuvenation and renewal providing longer days enveloped in warm weather of the season bringing positive change to our lives.
With the warmer weather season, it is easier to get outside and engage in physical activities including walking, cycling, swimming, hiking, jogging. Physical activity is important to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases. Spring is a great time to garden outdoors enjoying the spring weather of the season. It can also help reduce stress levels while improving mental health as a way of relaxation. Summer is the hottest of the four temperate seasons occurring after spring and before autumn at or centered on the solstice as the daylight hours are longest and the nighttime hours are the shortest with the daylight decreasing as the season progresses after the solstice. Warmer weather increases sun exposure during the summer months naturally boosting your vitamin D levels, improving mood leading to better overall health. As the seasons change, so do you.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
Images Courtesy of LAYHONG at AdobeStock
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