The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka 224. How to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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Dec 4, 2025 Discover how winter blues can be managed with strategic light exposure and holistic habits. Learn how bright light therapy can rival antidepressants in effectiveness. Explore the importance of nutrition, particularly vitamin D3 and omega-3s, to combat seasonal affective disorder. Gary shares practical techniques like establishing sleep consistency, embracing outdoor mindfulness, and fostering social connections. Finally, he empowers listeners with a morning challenge to kickstart a healthier seasonal rhythm.
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Light Drives Seasonal Brain Chemistry
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a light-driven condition that changes brain chemistry each winter.
- Reduced sunlight increases melatonin and decreases serotonin and vitamin D3, which explains sluggishness and carb cravings.
Morning Bright Light Therapy
- Use bright light therapy to reset your circadian rhythm and boost serotonin naturally.
- Sit in front of a 10,000 lux light box for about 30 minutes each morning for measurable benefit.
Combine Biological And Social Tools
- Treating SAD benefits from combining biological, physiological, and social strategies rather than one solution.
- Public psychology emphasizes empowering daily habits to strengthen mental health before clinical intervention.