Sunshine for spotless smiles

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is commonplace this season, according to experts. Sunshine tends to keep our spirits up, and conversely a lack of it brings on the blues. Here are 7 tips that will prove your best defence against seasonal gloom

At a creative dance class, when students were asked to use dance to express how they felt when it rained, one student tip-toed gracefully across the room with a scowl on her face, while another ran helter-skelter in the attempt to escape an imaginary storm.

The varied reactions certainly reflect our attitude towards the monsoon. An approach experts brand as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a condition that can bring you down. But it's not as sad as it sounds. Here are 7 ways to bring back a sunny smile to your face.

Sign up for a dance class, if you're looking to beat the blues

Turn on the lights
The pineal gland at the base of the brain secretes melatonin depending on the amount of natural light it receives. During the daytime, melatonin levels decrease, allowing you to wake up, while the opposite occurs at night, causing drowsiness. Consequently, dim light upsets the body's circadian rhythm, thereby affecting sleeping patterns and moods. So, trick your body into being happy by switching on lights to make up for deficient sunshine.

Put on your dancing shoes
At Goldsmith's College, University of London, scientists found that listening to even 15 seconds of music can affect not only your mood, but also your perception of everyone else's mood. Upbeat music, researchers claimed, makes one happy and optimistic. Listen to retro Madonna, the soundtrack of Glee or peppy Bollywood numbers to lift your mood.

Sniff on citrus
Several studies have shown that citrus scents alleviate depression and reduce anxiety. A variety of citrus-scented air-fresheners, fragrant-candles, and toiletries are available today. Some options to choose from: Bath & Body Works' Citron for men, Cartier's Roadster Sport, Versace's new Versus for women and Adidas' Woman Citrus Energy.

Shed pounds instead of tears
According to a Mayo Clinic report, even as little as 10 minutes of low-impact walking curbs depression and anxiety. The reports say that exercise releases feel-good brain chemicals, decreases levels of immune-system chemicals that cause depression. A workout leads to increase in body temperature, which translates into a calming effect.

Eat dark chocolate
It's a scientifically proven fact dark chocolate reduces stress hormones. Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich Brussel sprouts and citrus fruits and Folate-rich green, leafy veggies like spinach lifts flagging spirits too.

Wear the 'right' colour
In The Power of Colour, author Dr Morton Walker points out that both ancient Egyptians and Native Americans used colour and coloured light to heal. Today, colour therapists prescribe myriad techniques, including visualisation or simply wearing a specific colour to perk up the mood. Green is believed to have healing effects, orange invigorates since it exudes warmth and vibrancy, and red makes the heart beat faster, which helps improve circulation. Wearing the 'right' colour can actually make you feel better, just as wearing the 'wrong' colour can make you feel ill-equipped to face the day ahead.

Get an Aromatherapy message
The citrus and sweet notes of Bergamot when used as one of the ingredients in massage oil or lotion, are said to have an uplifting effect on mood. Citrus scents are considered stimulating, while lavender is believed to soothe and comfort. Both oils can either be used individually or blended to combine their benefits. Besides, just getting a massage is among our favourite ways to feel better instantly.

5 ways to spot SAD
You may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) if you experience any or all of these symptoms, seasonally:
Moodiness
A craving for carbohydrates and consequent weight gain
Loss of interest in usualu00a0activities
Drowsinessu00a0
Symptoms disappear when the season changes