Every winter we are faced with long, dark days that grow gloomier as the weeks go on. For many people, the lack of sunlight leads to feeling low. Those who are affected by this every year are said to be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD can result in many negative feelings and side effects, so learning to manage it is important.
Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
There are many different signs of SAD, and they vary from person to person. In most cases, it occurs during the winter months, however some people also experience it during Spring and Summer. Depending on the time of year, it can have varying effects.
Some common symptoms include:
- Feeling sad or down most of the day nearly every day
- Lacking interest in hobbies
- Loss of energy and feeling flat
- Wanting to sleep more than usual
- Craving more food and potential weight gain\
It is important to do what you can to get through these feelings. By incorporating some form of exercise into your day, eating well, and getting the right amount of sleep, you can help minimise the impact. Even a hot tub soak can help clear your mind and wash away your worries.
Beachcomber Hot Tubs and SAD
You may be wondering how a Beachcomber Hot Tub helps with seasonal affective disorder. It’s quite simple, really.
The main ingredients to feeling happy and healthy are hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. When bathing in a hot tub, there is an elevation in the body’s levels of the above hormones. This is due to increased blood flow and deeper breathing.
The hormones that hot tub soaking will trigger include:
Endorphins
- When you soak in a hot tub, you are increasing your heart rate in a similar manner to light exercise. This triggers the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain killer. Endorphins are known for easing depression, stress, and anxiety. The massage jets and the weightless feeling of being submerged in water all encourage a greater production of this hormone.
Serotonin
- Serotonin is known as the body’s natural feel-good medicine. It plays a major role in boosting your mood and making you happier. When you spend time in your hot tub, your breathing becomes more relaxed and therefore more serotonin is released. This leaves you feeling lighter and brighter when you exit your tub.
Dopamine
- Dopamine is another feel good hormone. It helps focus the mind on future goals, and results in feelings of pleasure when they are achieved. When you are dealing with no motivation or drive because of SAD, a hot tub soak can boost your body’s natural dopamine production.
A Beachcomber Hot Tub becomes a sanctuary for your mind. Let go of your symptoms of SAD with regular soaks and feel your best year-round.
Learn more about how to enhance your health here!    Â
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