The Real Reason You’re Moodier In Winter — It’s Not Just The Cold!
Winter is a time of year filled with cozy jumpers, hot chocolate ☕ and nights spend under blankets watching your favourite shows. But for many, it marks the return of the winter blues — a seasonal dip in mood that can feel ultra intense when paired with hormonal changes like PMS, menopause and post-partum shifts.
If you find yourself feeling down this winter, it's okay, because in this blog, we're diving into ways to help manage these moods and keep mental health on track 💛.
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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year (usually in winter).
Symptoms of sad can include things like:
○ Persistent low moods 😞
○ Lack of interest in regular activities 😒
○ Fatigue/low energy levels 🪫
○ Changes in sleep patterns 🛌
○ Increased irritability 😤
○ Difficulty in concentrating 🌫️
It's important to note that these symptoms can be compounded by hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycles, menopause or postpartum adjustments.
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play pivotal roles in regulating mood and mental well-being. Fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can intensify mood swings and feelings of depression or anxiety 📉.
Unfortunately, women experiencing menopause also need to deal with a major decrease in estrogen levels, which highly contributes to symptoms like irritability, anxiety and depression.
Maximize Natural Light Exposure
Natural light boosts serotonin levels, improving mood and regulating sleep. Even brief exposure in the morning (eg. enjoying your morning coffee outside for 5 minutes 🌞) can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Stay Active
Regular exercise is an incredible mood booster. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days, whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, or even putting on some music and having a little boogie while tidying the house can release endorphins and reduce stress levels 💃.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and fats can support overall health and mood. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon 🐟, walnuts and flax-seeds are particularly beneficial for brain health.
Practice Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques
Sometimes the best way to clear your mind is to disconnect from things like phones, screens in general and notifications 🔕. Creating intentional space away from technology can help reset your nervous system and allow your mind to slow down.
Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation, hypnosis, deep breathing, or yoga nidra into your daily routine to help reduce stress, to balance your mood and to promote a deeper sense of calm and emotional stability.
Stay Connected
Social interaction is vital for mental health. Whether it's through in-person meetups, phone calls, video chats or texts, staying connected with people you care about can provide comfort and support 💌.
Seek Professional Help If Needed
It can be challenging to ask for help. You might just feel like you need to push through or maybe you downplay how you're feeling. But your experience is valid, and you don't have to handle it alone.
Therapy can be hard to justify sometimes, especially when it comes to cost, but...
investing in your mental health is worth it!
If you broke your arm, you wouldn't ignore it. You would go to the hospital, get a cast and follow a plan to heal. The same goes for your mind. If symptoms persist, reach out to a professional. They're the ones who can give you the tools to support yourself and to heal ❤️.
Menstrual Symptoms 🩸
Tracking your cycle can empower you to anticipate and manage menstrual-related mood swings. Natural remedies like herbal tea, heating pads and gentle exercises can alleviate discomfort. You can even consider using our Cottons Organic period care products. They are after-all made from 100% organic cotton, are hypo-allergenic and provide comfortable protection throughout your period.
Menopausal Symptoms 🔥
Talk to your healthcare provider about options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or holistic healing. Keeping a journal of your symptoms and triggers can also help you manage and understand your body's changes 📓.
If you're experiencing peri-menopause and are wanting something to help with the unpredictable and heavy bleeding, our Cottons Pre-Menopause Pads are specifically designed to support erratic flows that are often associated with this stage of life.
Bladder Weakness 💧
Bladder weakness can be particularly challenging. Practice pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles that support your bladder. Staying hydrated is also important, but to try and reduce the amount of irritants you consume like caffeine and alcohol 🥂.
For added comfort and confidence, try our breathable, ultra-absorbent, 100% cotton pads from our Comforts by Cottons range - our incontinence range designed to keep women feeling confident, comfortable, dry and secure all day.
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Winter can be a season of rest and renewal, but only if we care for both our bodies and minds. By understanding the link between seasonal mood changes and hormonal shifts, you can take the proactive steps needed to feel more like yourself again.
Be gentle with yourself, reach out for support when needed, and remember that brighter days are on the way!
