Elisabeth's tips for a better dark season

Even though I grew up in Finnmark where there is no sun for two months of the year, the dark season is not any easier for me. When I was younger and didn’t have the knowledge I have now, it felt like I was just walking around like a zombie most of the time. My sleep routines were all messed up because I couldn’t fall asleep until late at night, and then I could hardly get up in the morning. In the afternoon, I could take long naps, which disturbed my night’s sleep even more. Low energy and constant tiredness, that’s how I remember it.

Fortunately, the dark season is easier now that I follow my dark season routines to the letter. When we don’t get daylight or sun, less melatonin is produced – the hormone that makes us fall asleep. Therefore, we stay awake longer and the sleep rhythm is disturbed.

In a study with people suffering from sleep problems, researchers saw a 160% increase in melatonin levels at night after just half an hour of exposure to bright light from a daylight lamp. But even though it’s not completely easy even now, over the years I have found some techniques that help me get through the dark season.

DAYLIGHT

Therefore, number one – I always make sure to be outside in daylight, or the little daylight there is during the day. If that’s not possible, I have invested in a daylight lamp that I use for half an hour every day. This actually makes me feel sleepy at a normal time and I have no problems falling asleep. I notice a big difference on the days I don’t use it or don’t get to go outside in the morning.

EXERCISE

At first, I didn’t think I could jog outside in winter, or it was something I didn’t look forward to until I tried it. Now winter has become my favorite season to jog in! This is because the fresh cold air is extra invigorating and refreshing, and you feel so fresh long afterwards. In addition, exercise improves sleep. Now I usually eat lunch while working and use my lunch break to go for a short run while there is still daylight. On weekends when there is more time, skiing is our favorite winter activity! Fun for both big and small.

VITAMIN D3

It’s no secret that vitamin D levels drop in winter due to too little sun on the body. Too little vitamin D in the body can cause loss of energy and feelings of tiredness and depression! Usually, 10 minutes of sun on the body is enough for us to get our daily dose of vitamin D. But when we don’t have that opportunity, we should take extra supplements of the sunshine vitamin. That’s why I always make sure to take our chewable Vitamin D3 with delicious lingonberry flavor – my favorite!

In addition, I sometimes take 12 minutes in a tanning bed so that the whole body gets sun and can produce its own vitamin D. Even though I know tanning beds can be harmful in large amounts, I choose to believe that a little sun does more good than harm if kept to a minimum.

OPTIMSM

I honestly don’t know what I would do without our OptiMSM. I am convinced it gives me that extra little boost so I don’t lose energy in the afternoon and can keep up with our active 4-year-old. So many people give feedback that they no longer need their usual afternoon nap and feel more energetic after starting to take our OptiMSM regularly. In addition, it keeps my otherwise restless stomach in check and I can tolerate all kinds of foods again! Simply a fantastic multi-product! Also good for hair, skin, and nails.

DIET

Many probably notice that they get stronger cravings for sweets during the dark season? The simple explanation is that when the atmospheric temperature drops, our body tries to increase its own temperature to survive the cold. In this process, all our nutrients are used, especially the most energy-giving ones; fat and carbohydrates.

Therefore, our body “craves” sweets and fried, preferably spicy food, to keep us warm. Such foods help maintain the fat tissue just under the skin, which acts as insulation against the cold. I try as often as I can to make fruit smoothies and carrot juice in the morning. This gives me lots of healthy carbohydrates and nutrients that help reduce sweet cravings throughout the day and evening. In addition, I make sure to get plenty of protein at all meals. This stabilizes blood sugar and can reduce sweet cravings.

Read more about menopause and 5 common foods that can help with the symptoms.

VITAMIN TEST

About every three months I use our vitamin tester that we have in our store. There I can monitor my vitamin, mineral, omega-3, and collagen levels among others, which is very useful if you want to get the best out of the dark season.

BUT by all means – the Christmas season is meant to be enjoyed, especially all the good Christmas food and cookies! The most important thing is to find balance in our own lives where we feel best. This recipe is something only we ourselves can figure out. Have a wonderful pre-Christmas season! Hugs from Elisabeth"