In winter it is common to feel less productive, less energised, and perhaps even “blue”. In fact, it is so common that there is a name for it: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

 What is SAD and how can you “fight” it:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a particular time of year, typically during winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It is also sometimes referred to as “winter blues.”

The symptoms of SAD include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
• Changes in appetite, with a tendency to overeat and crave carbohydrates.
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as oversleeping or difficulty falling asleep.
• Fatigue and lack of energy.
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Withdrawal from social interactions.
• Increased anxiety or irritability.

 What are the causes and how can we address it:

• In winter we tend to spend less time enjoying natural light, which can disrupt our body’s internal clock, affecting serotonin levels and causing Vitamin D deficiency. Try to take your lunch hour outside or simply make time during the day to catch a ray of sunshine.
• Being less active than usual can have a negative impact on mood and productivity. Try to do a physical activity for 30 minutes every day like walking the dog or cleaning the house.
• In winter there may be fewer social gatherings that could potentially trigger feelings of loneliness. Meet up with a friend for coffee or plan a weekly social gathering of some kind with a family member or friend.
• Often during this time of the year changes in daylight and colder temperatures can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, decreased energy, and lower productivity. Take control of your sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• When it is cold, grooming and self-care, sometimes even personal hygiene take a bit of a backseat, which could make us feel less excited about going out and interacting with others. Taking care of ourselves, especially our skin (which is the largest organ in our body), has major benefits. Act by prioritising your skin and hygiene and dressing for the way you want to feel.

The benefits a warm bath can have when it comes to your wellness

Did you know that when you immerse yourself in warm water endorphins are released? Endorphins are natural feel-good chemicals produced by the body that help to reduce stress and improve mood.

Add Cleaning Warehouse’s Bath Oil to your bath and enjoy even further advantages like:

• Moisturised and nourished skin
• Improved skin texture
• Dry and itchy skin relief
• Improved sleep

Our Bath Oil is a pure fragrance cosmetic oil blend that emulsifies in water and nourishes and moisturises dry skin. Our oil does not just float on top of the bath but mixes in with the water.

The health and wellness of our communities stretch far beyond physical health alone. While our Personal Care range addresses skin health, taking care of ourselves and our families’ skin has a direct impact on our emotional health as well.