The Wellness Studio - December 2019

FEELING SAD? Ways to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that people experience every fall and winter. If you find yourself feeling blue as the days become shorter and darker, know there are things you can do to boost your mood until spring returns.

feelings of well-being and happiness. Getting just a few minutes of sunlight a day through a walk or short jog can make all the difference. If you live in an area where the winters are bleak, cloudy, and dark, sunlight can be harder to come by. But technology has you covered: You can purchase “sun lamps,” which simulate sunlight without the damaging UV rays. Just set up a sun lamp in your workspace or living area and feel your mood lift.

Increase Your Activity

Maintain Your Routine

Keeping your body active can increase your energy levels, help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and boost your self-esteem. Summit Medical Group states that a person who exercises for 30–60 minutes a day can manage or avoid SAD easier than a person who does not exercise regularly. When you participate in physical activity, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which have a morphine-like effect on your brain. If exercising outdoors is not ideal, consider swimming, walking, or dancing instead.

Often, it can be difficult to stick with your daily routine during the cooler months. It may be harder to wake up on time in the morning to work out, or it may be too cold outside to go on your daily run. Luckily, you can find small ways to mitigate this. For example, invest in a sunrise alarm clock, which gently wakes you up with a simulated sunrise, or shop for high- quality thermal workout gear. If you continue to suffer from SAD and feel there’s no end in sight, it’s important to seek help from professionals. They can determine the best treatment options available for you.

Get Some Sun

Exposure to sunlight is also significantly beneficial for people suffering from SAD. Sunlight helps your body produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to

ARE YOU READY? Our Expert Prepares You for a PRP Facial your body, and just like when you give blood, your body needs time to recover. Staying properly hydrated will aid in this process. (Pro tip: There’s no tried-and-true formula for drinking water! Instead, drink when you’re thirsty, and carry a reusable water bottle as a reminder.) AVOID THESE MEDS Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications have many uses. Ibuprofen relieves a searing headache, and an antibiotic can attack a bacterial sinus infection with precision. But the benefits of these marvels of modern medicine have their time and place — and it’s not right before your PRP facial. As our PRP expert, Denise Dial explains that the immediate results you feel on your skin after a PRP facial affect the top layers of your skin. The PRP serum works its way into the subsequent layers for the next 30 days. “These categories of medication counteract the trauma we are, oddly enough, hoping to accomplish with the microneedling as well as the PRP. Healthy collagen is formed by rebuilding the damaged cells,” Denise says. “This is the work that’s being done behind the scenes. […] Long story short, avoid those two categories of medications because they deactivate the PRP process before we even get it in there.”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials utilize the naturally occurring rejuvenation qualities found in your blood to stimulate healthier, younger-looking skin. This can enhance your skin, improving its look, feel, and composition. But just like with any new treatment or regimen, it’s important to prepare correctly. Follow these tips from The Wellness Studio’s PRP expert Denise Dial to prepare for your PRP facial. STAY HYDRATED Water is one of the most powerful compounds in the world, and when you regularly stay hydrated, your body gets a big boost. Water can improve your mood, enhance your cognitive functions,

and benefit your skin. For this reason, in the days and hours leading up to your PRP facial appointment, you should make it a point to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. PRP is pulled directly from

You deserve skin that is healthy, beautiful, and makes you feel great. Get started with your PRP facial by calling The Wellness Studio today at 562.980.0555.

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562.980.0555

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