Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Characterized by symptoms such as low energy, irritability, and persistent sadness, SAD can significantly impact one’s well-being. As a complementary approach to traditional treatments, yoga has the potential to alleviate symptoms associated with SAD. With its emphasis on mindfulness and the mind-body connection, yoga can help regulate mood, reduce stress, and combat the fatigue and low energy associated with SAD. In this monthly dose, we’ll explore specific yoga recommendations as well as how to use the Yoga Medicine Online site to find appropriate classes in order to support navigating seasonal shifts in mood and its accompanying challenges.

References:

• B. McMahon, S. Andersen, M. Madsen et al., “P.1.i.037 Patients with seasonal affective disorder show seasonal fluctuations in their cerebral serotonin transporter binding,” European Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 24, supplement 2, p. S319, 2014.
• A. J. Lewy, B. J. Lefler, J. S. Emens, and V. K. Bauer, “The circadian basis of winter depression,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 103, no. 19, pp. 7414–7419, 2006.
• Streeter CC, Whitfield TH, Owen L, Rein T, Karri SK, Yakhkind A, Perlmutter R, Prescot A, Renshaw PF, Ciraulo DA, Jensen JE. Effects of yoga versus walking on mood, anxiety, and brain GABA levels: a randomized controlled MRS study. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Nov;16(11):1145-52. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0007. Epub 2010 Aug 19. PMID: 20722471; PMCID: PMC3111147.
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