As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes less, many people start feeling down and snaily {is that a word? ;)}, a condition often referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While this might impact your mood and overall well-being, there's a remedy from nature: honey. Apart from its sweetie taste, honey has properties that can help lift your spirits during these sad times. :(
According to John Hopkins Medicine, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, also has been linked to SAD. The body naturally makes more melatonin when it’s dark. So when the days are shorter and darker, more melatonin is made. (Seasonal Affective Disorder | Johns Hopkins Medicine.)
Understanding the BLUES
The lack of sunlight in rain, winter & fall can mess up our circadian rhythms, leading to a drop in serotonin levels—the neurotransmitter that regulates mood. The circadian rhythm is the body's internal clock that regulates the 24-hour cycle of biological processes. It's influenced by external cues like light and darkness, aligning sleep-wake patterns with the day-night cycle. Disruptions to this rhythm, such as those caused by shift work or jet lag, can affect overall health and well-being. This can cause mood swings and feelings of depression common in SAD. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a pervasive sense of despair. While medical treatments are available, natural remedies and lifestyle changes can play a key role in managing these symptoms effectively.
The Science Behind Honey and Mood Improvement
Honey is filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that positively impact our mood. The natural sugars in honey can boost serotonin levels, providing a natural mood lift. Plus, honey's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both linked to depression.
"Research suggests that polyphenol compounds in honey like apigenin, caffeic acid, chrysin, ellagic acid, and quercetin support a healthy nervous system, enhancing memory and supporting mood," says Blatner. A 2014 review indicates that honey aids the central nervous system's development, especially in young children, leading to improved memory, reduced anxiety, and better intellectual performance later in life.
(6 Health Benefits of Honey. )
Benefits of Honey
Honey is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, and various antioxidants. Vitamin B6 is crucial for brain function and mood regulation, while magnesium helps combat fatigue and stress. The antioxidants in honey protect the brain from oxidative damage, contributing to overall mental health and mood regulation.
Honey and Energy Levels
The natural sugars in honey provide a quick, sustainable energy boost, unlike the spikes and crashes associated with refined sugars. This stable energy release helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels, crucial for mood stability. Replacing refined sugars and artificial sweeteners with honey can offer a steady energy supply throughout the day, helping you stay active and positive. If you want to carry honey with you anywhere you go, try HoneyAllDay’s honey straws and pouches, they are easy to carry, easy to use and consume honey whenever you need your energy boost! Try it now! 2 Pouches + 1 Honey Straws – HoneyAllDay
How can you add honey in your day to day life?
- Stir honey into warm beverages like tea or coffee for a soothing drink.
- Drizzle honey on breakfast items such as oatmeal, yogurt, and toast.
- Blend honey into smoothies for a natural sweetener.
Honey for Better Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for mood and mental health. Honey can promote better sleep by stabilizing blood sugar levels and aiding the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Enjoy a spoonful of honey in warm milk or herbal tea before bedtime to help you relax and get a good night's sleep.
Honey is a natural remedy with numerous benefits for mood improvement and overall well-being. Visit the HoneyAllDay website to explore their range of honey products and start beeating the blues today.
