How to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

With the great British “rush-hour” back in full swing, the nation is on the verge of being battered by ten days of heavy rainfall and a series of strong gales. Amongst such adverse weather, it’s common to experience feelings of fatigue, sluggishness and even heightened anxiety or depression as the change of seasons wreaks havoc on our energy levels and motivation to stay active.

Colloquially referred to as ‘winter depression’, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects up to three in 100 people in the UK at some point in their life, causing a lack of interest in normal everyday activities and health habits – including exercise.

Aiding many as the short days of winter draw in are the myriad benefits of caffeine. While it has long been heralded as a mid-afternoon saver, caffeine is now increasingly attracting attention for the power it has to aid elite athletes and amateurs alike to go the extra mile.

While this sounds like music to the ears of a nation of coffee drinkers (national studies reveal Brits drink approximately 95 million cups of coffee per day), the most efficient caffeine boost to athletic performance and stamina is not a cup of java, which can commonly cause stomach issues if taken pre-workout. A more convenient method designed without the detrimental effects of coffee or other caffeinated drinks is Revvies Energy Strips. Changing sports nutrition by delivering fast-acting caffeine dosages to boost both athletic and daily performance, Revvies Energy is the caffeine delivery system used by some of the top names in international sports, including the UK’s No.1 marathon runner Charlotte Purdue and two-time Olympian Eloise Wellings, as well as New Zealand’s history-making team during the Tokyo Olympics.

John Nolan-Neylan, co-founder of energy specialists Revvies, offers his tips to energise Britain amidst the changing of the seasons.

1. Get up early and exercise outdoors
“The right amount of exercise and sleep will bring the most benefits to your energy levels. According to a study conducted by Appalachian State University, the best time to exercise for weight management and better sleep is at 7 am. Exercising and sleeping well can make yourself more alert, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning which is sure to make you more energised to get through the day.”

2. Vitamin D and light exposure
“Being confined to our homes during the winter months is sure to have an impact on our Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is known to help our bodies keep healthy and fight infections; as such, exposure to light is really essential. To perk yourself up, and to get a break from the indoors, try to spend your lunch breaks outside – go for a walk and give yourself a change of scenery. If the weather doesn’t allow you to do so, make sure your food is rich in Vitamin D-oily fish, mushrooms, fortified dairy and non-dairy substitutes.”

3. Use caffeine to your advantage
“Revvies Energy Strips contain either 40mg or 100mg of caffeine in each serving – which is roughly equivalent to either a cup of tea or coffee respectively. Dissolving on the tongue in seconds they provide a faster pick me up to help you perform at your peak. Used by professional sports teams and Olympic athletes, you can take them without any water for a convenient and rapid boost of energy. Taking a Revvies sugar-free strip in a moment of fatigue, or just at the end of the working day, will give you the alertness and energy you need to help you make the most of your day.”

4. Drink plenty of water
“A study conducted at the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory found that being even mildly dehydrated can have effects on your mood, energy level and ability to think clearly. Fatigue can be caused by the lack of hydration in your cells; in order to optimise the production of energy from food, it is essential you drink enough water and avoid being dehydrated at all times.”

5. Eat well
“A good diet is a very easy way of making sure that your energy levels are up – while we are at home, learning to cook and trying new recipes is sure to be fun, and can also help to stimulate your brain! To make sure you are fuelling your body with energy, you must make sure that the foods you are eating benefit your gut microbiome – try incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit into your everyday meals. A good mixture of protein, iron, fibre and carbohydrates will help your body release the energy it has gained slowly throughout the day – helping you stay energised for longer.”