CBD & autumn blues: tips against the low mood in autumn
Why autumn can cause mood lows
Autumn blues - symptoms
Autumn blues: Tips for feeling better in autumn
What herbal mood enhancers are there?
Using CBD to combat the autumn blues
By definition, the autumn blues and winter depression are "Seasonal Affective Disorder" (SAD). This means that both are dependent on the time of year, with the distinction being made by the length and intensity of symptoms. While some people only experience the time as stressful when the clock is changed in autumn, others suffer from discomfort the entire winter time.
Why autumn can cause a low mood
It is not yet fully understood why depressive symptoms can occur during the dark season. One theory is that the cause lies in the melatonin-serotonin metabolism. A lack of light could be the cause. If too little daylight hits the retina of the eyes, the body produces more of the hormone melatonin ("sleep hormone"). The result: we become tired.
The basic substance of melatonin is serotonin ("happiness hormone"). If the body receives too little sun, it reduces the production of serotonin - just like the important vitamin D, which also has an influence on the mental state.
Autumn blues - symptoms
Typical complaints of the autumn blues are, for example:
- Tiredness and even drowsiness
- Listlessness
- Mood swings
- Low spirits
- Melancholy
- ravenous appetite (e.g. for sweets or fatty foods)
All of these symptoms can also occur with depression - but they are present permanently and not only at certain times of the year. Depression can also cause sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and even suicidal thoughts. If depression is suspected, it is strongly recommended to seek medical attention.
Autumn blues: Tips for feeling better in autumn
Grim weather, rain, hardly any sunshine, cold - your mood is at rock bottom and you would like to crawl into bed. But what can help against the autumn blues? Here are some tips:
- Sport puts you in a good mood: Get out of bed! Sport is good for your health and lifts your spirits. If you don't feel like doing endurance sports, you can enjoy the fresh air on a walk. After all, exercise is always a particularly good mood booster.
- Daylight: When rain pelts from the clouds in autumn and winter, it is anything but pleasant to be out in the fresh air. Daylight lamps can be used to counteract the lack of light. Studies provide evidence that light therapy can lift the mood.
- Relaxation: To lift the mood, stress reduction is important. This can be done with meditation, yoga or Thai Chi, for example. By the way: Laughter reduces stress hormones and promotes serotonin production. The good thing is that the brain cannot distinguish between real and artificial laughter. So simply smiling several times a day can help.
- Wellness: Relax your body, unwind and recharge your batteries. A warm bath with a wellness additive by candlelight brings relaxation and promotes inner peace.
- Alternating showers: Showering with alternating hot and cold water stimulates the metabolism and blood circulation.
- Nutrition: The body needs energy, which it gets from a balanced diet, especially from healthy carbohydrates such as wholemeal products, nuts and bananas. Chocolate can also put you in a good mood, because it contains the amino acid tryptophan, from which the body forms serotonin.
- Colours: Researchers have found that colours can influence the nervous system and emotions. Red is a particularly warm colour. Orange, on the other hand, is cheerful and invigorating, and yellow cheers up the mind. Maybe it's time to change the cushions on the sofa or repaint a wall.
What herbal mood lifters are there?
When the autumn blues really hit your mood, various substances from nature can also help. These include St. John's wort, lemon balm, ginseng, turmeric and guarana. However, caution is advised with some plant extracts, such as St. John's wort, as there may be interactions if certain medications are taken regularly.
Another natural remedy for the autumn blues can be cannabidiol (CBD).
With CBD against the autumn blues
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid from the hemp plant that does not cause intoxicating effects. Just like other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the control of different processes in the body, such as the sensation of pain, emotions, appetite and sleep. Studies have already shown that CBD can have an anxiety-relieving and calming effect.
As to the question of whether CBD can also have an antidepressant effect, studies currently do not provide sufficient evidence. Significant clinical studies are still lacking. However, many animal studies give hope. Here is a brief overview:
- In one study, rats were exposed daily to various stressors and successfully treated with CBD.
- In depressed mice, CBD showed an antidepressant-like effect in another study. CBD seems to be able to block the 5-HT1A receptor ("serotonin receptor") in the brain.
- In another study on mice, researchers conclude that CBD may have an antidepressant effect because it modulates certain areas in the brain that are responsible for emotions.
CBD as a remedy for the autumn blues
In studies, researchers use high doses of pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (CBD). Such high doses are not available in over-the-counter CBD products because they would require a prescription. Nevertheless, high-quality CBD oil can have positive effects on mood. This is also confirmed by numerous reports. In this respect, CBD oil could be a helpful companion in the dark season.
FAQ
What helps against the autumn blues?
Exercise in the fresh air, especially when the sun is shining, can lighten the mood. Sport can also provide much-needed feelings of happiness. Natural remedies can also be used for support. In addition to plant extracts from St. John's wort, lemon balm, valerian, etc., CBD oil could also help to improve the mood.
Can CBD help against the autumn blues?
Numerous studies have already been conducted on the topic of CBD and its positive properties. First results suggest that the cannabinoid from hemp could have balancing effects on the mood. In this respect, CBD oil would be a possible support in the dark season.
