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Fight SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) With Fitness!

Quickly summed up SAD is considered to be a form of winter depression that affects approximately million people. Winter is considered to be between the months of September up until April, but mainly SAD affects people the most in the months of Dec., Jan., and Feb. SAD is caused by the lack of sunlight we get in our shortened days through the winter months.

Symptoms may include:

Sleep Problems

Lethargy

Overeating

Depression

Social Problems

Anxiety

Loss of Libido

Mood Changes

Weakened Immune System (being more susceptible to colds and the flu)

Treatments range from medication to light therapy, to exercise. But I would definitely recommend giving exercise a try.

Research shows that exercise;

Produces feel good chemicals, which promote the sense of well being

Releases stress and tension in the muscles and in the body/mind creating a state of calmness

Reduces stress hormones, relieving anxiety and agitation

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Improves self-esteem

Increases blood flow to the body and male/female organs

Improves mood and energy levels

To me exercise sounds like the right prescription to SAD, as it shows to alleviate most if not all symptoms contributed by Seasonal Affective Disorder. Any form of exercise will do just fine. A brisk 20 minute walk everyday has proven to be very helpful, along with some type of cardio routine. Doing some type of cardiovascular routine along with resistance training has shown to elevate our natural mood "feel good" chemicals which are responsible for making us feel better. Please talk to your doctor before starting any fitness program.

Dean Boukaras is a person who has dedicated his life to educating and helping as many individuals as possible reach their absolute physical best. He truly wants to impact one person at a time by spreading the health and fitness truth through http://www.bodybyweb.blogspot.com

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posted by zgrsx @ 4:43 PM