Did you know there are ways to support your mood and combat the seasonal funk?
Supplements To Support Mood
Natural Factors Stress Relax Pharma GABA™
Clinical studies have shown Pharma GABA's™ important role in reducing stress, promoting feelings of relaxation, and improving concentration. 6 Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a natural calming agent of the brain, often viewed as the brain's "braking system." When we become overwhelmed with stress, the brain typically responds by producing more GABA or pumping the brake on the stress response. GABA's foremost mechanism of action is increasing the production of alpha brainwaves (associated with a relaxed yet alert state) and decreasing the production of beta brainwaves (associated with nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity). 7 This leads to improved relaxation without drowsiness and enhanced mental focus. GABA's presence in the nervous system also helps support cognitive function. Natural Factors Stress Relax Pharma GABA™ is naturally sourced and produced by Lentilactobacillus hilgardii, a beneficial lactic acid bacteria used in the making of the traditional Korean vegetable dish known as kimchi
Natural Factors Stress Relax Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a powerful adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens help the body to be more resistant to stress and are believed to balance your immune response. Ashwagandha's early studies show promise towards increasing the activity of the GABA receptors in the brain and helping enhance the stress-relieving effects of neurotransmitters produced by the body. 8 Natural Factors Stress Relax Ashwagandha features clinically studied organic vegan KSM- 66 ™ Ashwagandha extract made directly from only the roots of the plant, notable for the extensive range of randomized and controlled trials documenting its efficacy
Natural Factors Stress Relax Saffron Extract
Saffron is more recognized as a spice used in cooking; However, Saffron in the form of Affron® saffron extract, a 100% pure source of standardized Spanish saffron extract, has been certified for authenticity and has undergone multiple clinical trials to show its benefits in helping to reduce symptoms of mild depression and improve mood and relaxation. 9,10 Saffron's mechanism of action may temporarily increase dopamine levels in the brain without affecting other brain hormones, such as serotonin. Using supplements such as Natural Factors Stress Relax Saffron Extract (Affron) may support mood balance and relaxation and help relieve stress symptoms 11
Natural Factors Stress Relax Mental Calmness
L-Theanine is the amino acid in green tea known for its ability to relieve stress and promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. Some research has shown that natural compounds in L-Theanine may produce temporary calming effects on the brain, triggering the production of alpha brain waves associated with an awake-relaxed state and decreasing beta brain waves associated with feelings of restlessness and nervousness 12, 13 Natural Factors Stress Relax Mental Calmness contains the clinically- proven form of L-Theanine Suntheanine™, a pure and natural form produced via an enzymatic process.
Natural Factors Stress Relax Tranquil Sleep or Stress Relax Nighttime Magnesium
Sleep disruption is often associated with the blues, from an overactive mind to waking up worried or unable to fall asleep. Not sleeping well can increase feelings of sadness, stress and anxiety and make a situation feel much worse in the moment. If your winter blues are causing sleep disturbances, some researchers have suggested the sedating and calming effects of Melatonin taken at bedtime may help to produce a more restful slumber and help to counteract sleep disturbances often associated with the blues. 14,15 Natural Factors Stress Relax Tranquil Sleep or Stress Relax Nighttime Magnesium are two popular supplements that combine the sleepy benefits of Melatonin with other supplements such as L-Theanine and GABA to temporarily promote relaxation, allowing you to fall asleep more quickly, sleep longer and improve overall sleep quality
January can be a difficult time for many people. The excitement of the holidays is over; the reality of overextending oneself upon opening the credit card bill, shorter days and lack of sunshine along with mental and physical fatigue makes a perfect recipe for the blues – feelings of a low mood and sadness for some, soul-wrenching times for others.
For years, researchers for The National Institute of Health (NIH) have been studying the "winter blues" and a more severe type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 1 They have learned about possible causes and found treatments that help most people. Still, much remains unknown about these winter-related shifts in mood. The "winter blues" is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a time in a person's life when they feel sadness, anxiety, or despair, usually linked to an event. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the changing seasons and can negatively impact a person day to Day. 2
The most commonly reported symptoms of the "winter blues" and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) can overlap, often leading to long-term therapy that may not be required if the blues are more temporary. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine if you feel blue or if something more life-altering is happening. Signs you may be suffering from the winter blues may include 3
- Significant fatigue, even with a proper amount of sleep
- Loss of interest in day-to-day activities
- Sleeping more than usual
- Craving or eating starches to fill an intangible void
- Difficulty concentrating or increased procrastination
- Preferring isolation over socializing
Read More
Managing the winter blues may not require medical intervention. With lifestyle changes and the inclusion of natural health remedies such as supplementation, relaxation skills, etc., one may find they not only manage their winter moods but thrive in the winter months.
- Making a habit of getting outside, even on the gloomiest of days, can help alleviate mood.
- Getting social with friends or family and connecting to others, even for a brief amount of time, can boost mood.
- Keeping moving and exercising, even mildly, provides physical stimulation that can naturally increase endorphins that positively affect mood.
- Consider supplements that can improve mood and fight the January blues. Such as Natural Factors Stress Relax Pharma GABA™, Stress Relax Saffron or Stress Relax Ashwagandha with Organic KSM-66 ™ 6,7,8,9,10,11
- Calm a worried and frazzled mind with supplements such as Stress Relax Mental Calm with Suntheanine L theanine. 12,13
- Most of all, get a good night's sleep with sleep-supportive supplements such as Stress Relax Nighttime Magnesium Bisglycinate Stress Relax, or Tranquil Sleep to help balance circadian sleep rhythms and provide more restful sleep. 14, 15
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Relax You Got This!
Relax!
You Got This !
Look for the ISURA certification
ISURA is Canada's only independent natural health supplement and food product verification and certification organization that provides mass spectrometry and non-GMO testing from seed to table. ISURA's Standard for Natural Health Products is among the world's highest. The threshold limits and other components of the ISURA Standard meet or exceed standards or recommendations for Natural Health Products set by global and national organizations. Furthermore, ISURA's analytical testing laboratories meet ISO 17025 laboratory and methodology standards, and ISURA's quality management system is ISO 9001 certified.
Supplement Safety
Supplement Safety: The information provided in this article is not meant to treat or diagnose. It is for information purposes only. It's also always a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying out any new supplements or other dietary changes, as there's always the possibility that these compounds could have adverse interactions with other ongoing medications, pre-existing medical conditions, etc.
Article Resources
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues
- https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/research/programs/clinical_people/winter/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/shining-a-light-on-winter-depression
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC533861/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7527439/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12662130/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29510352/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28735826/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7882499/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224499000448
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21476953/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6578031/
Support Your Wellness Journey
Kala Lamps are entirely UV-free & crafted with safety in mind. Light therapy can improve mood, enhance sleep quality, mood and focus and help manage some symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Kala Re Light is one of the most advanced at-home red light therapy devices designed to optimize cellular function & improve overall health & wellness. Red Ligh therapy may have a positive impact on mood and well-being
Apollo Neuro wearable , created by neuroscientists & physicians. Delivers gentle, soothing vibrations , like music, your body can feel- higher vibrations can improve energy and focus, while lower vibrations can help reduce stress, help you relax and fall asleep
Muse Brain Sensing Headband mproves meditation practice, reducing stress/anxiety and
overall mental well-being. Using advanced EEG brain sensors,
Muse can detect your brain activity and provide you with
real-time feedback through gentle audio sounds through your headphones
