Boost your mood in the month of October (and have a happy Fall Y’all!)
#UpliftingMessage
For some of our friends and neighbors, there seems to be no end to the sights, sounds, smells and other wonders to experience throughout the month of October – from sipping farm fresh apple cider while hunting for the perfect pumpkin, to playing in piles of yellow, orange, red and purple leaves, or watching the early morning fog rise over the world from the comfort of a cozy kitchen.
As magical as this time can be for some however, it can be equally as difficult for others, with the days getting shorter, the weather getting colder, and serotonin levels/sleep patterns being impacted by the decrease in sunshine. If you are someone who feels more dread than excitement as the Fall season marches on, here are a few simple things you can try that will lift your spirits, and have you saying, “Happy Fall, Y’all” throughout the month of October.
- Light Therapy: Light therapy involves sitting close to a special light source every morning for at least 30 minutes and has been shown to be effective in helping to improve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as well as major and minor symptoms of depression.
- Take an Early Morning Walk – Taking a walk after sunrise provides almost the same amount of light exposure as a light therapy source, even on a cloudy day. If mobility constraints are a factor, or you’re simply not a morning person, sitting outside for just 15 minutes a day at any time has also been shown to boost endorphin levels, and promote feelings of happiness.
- Vitamin D – A healthy daily dose of the “Sunshine Vitamin” improves brain function, lifts your mood, and strengthens your immune system. Vitamin D can be taken as a supplement, or found in a variety of foods, including salmon, tuna, eggs, and fortified dairy products.
Need community connections or someone to talk to? Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) is here to help! We provide 1-1 counseling, therapy groups, counselor training, core-education, and special events locally, online, and throughout 200 centers nationwide. Our services are covered by loving donations and volunteerism. Call 503-644-2339 or visit gsmusa.org to learn more or get involved today.
To learn more, get involved, or to gift this vital ministry with a donation of any size, call 503-644-2339 or visit us online at gsmusa.org.
