Now that I'm on a roll, I feel compelled to take a few minutes before I head to bed tonight to share my little solution for the "winter blues" which I've battled for the last two years since living here in Utah. It's so easy and simple it's ridiculous: copious amounts of Vitamin D3.
I know in the past I've written about my whole regimen for staying on top of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) in the winter (again, this is totally self-diagnosed, I just get kind of down and lethargic in the winter months so maybe that's not legitimate SAD . . .) which includes using a Happy Lamp, taking Vit. D and Sam-e, cardio exercise, staying away from too much sugar, using aromatherapy and music, etc. etc., but after getting my blood work done back in the fall and finding out that not only was my thyroid out of whack, but my Vitamin D was also low (and that the two were related), I TRIPLED my Vitamin D intake (went from 2000 iu's a day to 6000) and not only have I not needed the happy lamp, extreme cardio exercise, and on and on, but I haven't had ANY winter depression. Just from taking that one inexpensive vitamin.
It makes sense, since those of us living in northern latitudes aren't getting enough of the type of UVB rays needed to keep up our Vitamin D levels in the winter months and Vitamin D is produced in our bodies by skin exposure to sunlight. (And low D levels are related to depression.)
So if you are currently suffering from the winter blues, you may want to have your D levels checked or just fork out the 10 buck and try taking 2000-6000 iu's a day for a few weeks and see how you feel. Overdosing isn't really a concern, but I'm no doctor, so please consult your physician before starting this supplement, driving while texting, getting a tattoo, or starting any exercise program.
That's it. Just my tip of the day.
And can someone please tell me why there are still living, breathing (and crawling) boxelder bugs canvassing my house? Where are they coming from? It's like the arctic outside!
So I came to leave my "funny" comment from yesterday, and now I see you have ANOTHER post up. How will I possibly keep up?
ReplyDeleteTotally random about me, but did you know (no, I know you don't, but I'm going to tell you) I have one regret from my young adult years... that I didn't get a tattoo!! It's one of my secret wishes. In fact just the other night I brought it up again to Mike that I wish I had one.
I'm having second thoughts about publicly announcing this on your blog...
What?! What in the world is the attraction, Tiffany? Especially when you get old and your skin starts sagging. NOT cute or cool. Saggy tattoo on Grandma? Uh-uh. I will not let you do this.
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