Most of us notice a drop in mood and energy levels when Winter hits.  Experts tell us this is because of the decrease in sunlight we are exposed to which, decreases the levels of Vit D in our bodies –causing these symptoms and more. The official name for it is Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD for short. I am certainly affected by this, which has led me to finding one particular product that has helped alleviated these symptoms to a large degree. If this sounds like something that may help you then I’m glad I could save you some research time!

Sun Lamps

I recently purchased a Sun Lamp from the states. If you haven’t heard of these before, no…it is not some sort of tanning lamp, it is like a normal lamp, but rather than using a light globe they have devised a different technology that is a fraction of the cost. You basically just need to spend approx 20-30 minutes a day when you feel you need it – not necessarily just during winter. It works best to have you eyes open while using although you don’t need to look directly into the lamp.

My ‘Secret’ Spot

There is another part of the body that you won’t read about anywhere that is as good, if not better for many that you can use the Sun Lamp with. It’s the back of the knees would you believe? An unusual one I know! For whatever reason the back of the knees is the best spot for me to concentrate on. This means having to ‘drop my dacks’ (Aussie Term for pull my Trousers down) each day. Luckily working from home this is easy for me to do without scaring my colleagues!

Double this with Meditation time

Having to lie on my stomach like this means I am not able to do much else, so I find it’s the perfect time to do some Meditation. I have only really learned how to mediate effectively and actually realized the benefits of making this part of your daily routine. I put a blanket over my back and thighs and relax away my worries.

Sunrise Simulator

The sun lamp that I chose also has a function that replicates Sunrise and Sunset. The benefit of this for those afflicted with SADS symptoms is that it can help your body or more importantly your brain adjusts itself to a regular sleep cycle that may be a large contributor to the problem. Apparently when we wake up normally with an alarm clock, the shock of the sudden noise releases chemicals that induce a stress response. If however you swap an alarm clock with the sunrise simulator, you can prevent releasing these chemicals and rather wake up in a more natural way with the sunlamp gradually increasing in intensity. This is sooooooo much better than the former method of being woken, which I have always struggled with.

Sunset Simulator

Similarly the Sunset function tells your brain that it’s time to get into sleep mode by replicating the sun going down preparing you for slumber. Studies have found that this helps you fall asleep quicker. Every extra second that I can have up my sleave actually asleep rather than wishing I were asleep is a great thing so I love it!

Sensitive Types

I fit into the category of being more sensitive than most in a lot of ways and from all accounts this seems to be a growing trend globally, and therefore it doesn’t need to just be a miserable grey day for me to use and get benefit from the Sunlamp. I’m glad I finally bit the bullet and decided to invest in one even though it was quite an expense. I have justified this (fairly I think) to myself and my hubby, as not being able to put a price on your health.

Rough costs