Seasonal Affective Disorder

July 19, 2022 2 min read

Seasonal Affective Disorder
Are you impacted by the change of seasons? Do you notice a change in your mood each year around the same time?

Many people experience slight alterations in how they feel with the change of seasons. Some people are more severely impacted than others.

Seasonal affective disorder is usually seen in parts of the world where there is far less sunlight during winter and Autumn. How can this condition be addressed from an Ayurvedic perspective?

Using Ayurvedic wisdom, we understand that both fall and winter impact primarily Vata and Kapha Doshas. When out of balance, Vata is often associated with feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, confusion and poor concentration. When facing an imbalance, Kapha will more likely be associated with feelings of depression, sluggishness, weight gain and excessive sleep. Since we are more likely to experience an imbalance of both of these doshas during Autumn and Winter, we are more prone to being impacted in these areas by seasonal changes.

Ayurveda speaks about being in tune with our nature - our inner nature and the nature around us. Since the change of season does impact us, we develop practices to help bring more balance to our bodies and mind.

Ayurvedic suggestions 

    • For those experiencing depression and anxiety during this time, we suggest speaking with a mental health professional.

    • Stay with your routine! Routine is so important to mental health.

    • Daily warm oil massage.

    • Meditation and spiritual practices 

    • WARM FOODS and BEVERAGES!

    • Add warming spices to your meals. See our previous posts about the benefits of using ginger during this time.

    • Continue to get outside for sunlight and time in nature

    • Exercise!


If you would like to develop Ayurvedic routines and diet alterations to support you during the change of seasons we would be happy to see you. Bookings with our practitioners are available.

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