Do shorter and colder days make you feel less energized and more prone to depressive thoughts? This could be seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a form of depression triggered by changes in daylight and weather.

Winter can disrupt our body's circadian rhythm, which is how our body regulates our sleep/wake cycle. The decrease in sunlight throws off your body's internal clock and can lead to feelings of depression. Studies show that 4 in 6 people suffer from SAD, also known as winter blues, and it should not go untreated.

Any form of depression can limit one's ability to live their life to the fullest, so we have put together these tips if you feel you may be suffering from SAD.

1. Seek out group or individual counseling to identify and work on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that may be making you feel worse.

2. Repeat a positive mantra daily, ideally right when you wake up in the morning. A simple example is "I exist, I matter, I belong, I thrive."

3. Engage in mood boosting activities daily, such as physical activity, working on a hobby or a creative project, or scheduling social engagements.

4. Get sunlight as much as possible throughout your day. Open the blinds first thing in the morning and soak up the sun for a few minutes, and make sure you get out for a walk at least once throughout the day. 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily can help boost your Vitamin D levels naturally (make sure you have some skin exposed!).

Other tips include using bright light therapy, aromatherapy, and making sure you are optimizing nutrition and hydration.

#winterblues #winter #seasonaldepression #holidayblues #sad #seasonalaffectivedisorder #mentalhealth #irritable #lethargic #unhappy #active #sunshine #boostyourmood #symptoms #stayconnected #facetime #zoom #lovedones #virtualhangout #winter #wintermoods #functionalmedicine #primehealth #primehealthdenver ...

Did you know studies show that working with a Health Coach significantly improves eating habits, quality of life, blood markers, and mental health? It is often through small, incremental, and enjoyable changes in our ordinary lives that extraordinary results occur.

Our Health Coach provide support to help you implement doctor recommendations and healthy strategies into your lifestyle (i.e. diet, sleep, exercise, stress management). They are your partner and health advocate, and work closely with you to guide you towards optimal health.

They bridge the gap between your doctor’s recommendations and your everyday life, and help you to put ideas into practice at your own pace based upon your goals and preferences.

Scheduling a free phone consultation today via the *BOOK NOW button in our BIO to learn more about how a health coach can support you.

#healthcoach #healthcoaching #healthjourney #healingjourney #benefits #coach #advocate #holistichealth #healing #wellnesscoach #wellness #healthylifestyle #successful #goals #optimalhealth #function #guide #success #vitality #nutritionist #functionalmedicine #natural #naturalremidies #partner #primehealth #denver #denverhealth #primehealthdenver ...

On this Sunday we encourage you to...

Pause, Capture, and Reflect.

Pause and tune into the small everyday details of your life.

Capture the moment and notice the good around you.

Reflect and express gratitude for all the big and small things you are grateful for.

The simple act of pausing to "feel good" can enhance your overall well being and give you a greater sense of peace throughout your day.

Happy Sunday!

#sunday #sundaymood #weekend #relax #familyandfriends #enjoy #bettertogether #coffee #coffeecup #indulgeinrelaxation #functionalmedicine #holidaytips #vibe #mood #healthandwellness #functionalmedicine #primehealth #primehealthdenver ...

We have a great instagram live coming you way on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 12pm MST. @soyona_rafatjah and @rooted.in.healing will discuss how to holistically navigate flu and cold season. Let us know what questions you have and would like addressed on next week's IG live in the comments below!

#fluseason #fluandcold #covid #howtopreventcoldsandflus #howtoboostimmunesystem #immunity #naturalremedies #combatcoldandfluseason #primehealthdenver #functionalmedicine #functionalnutrition ...

Negative thought patterns around food are common for many, especially around the holidays... “I shouldn’t have eaten that.” “Why couldn't I have more self control.” “This is going to derail my health efforts." Have you said any of these phrases to yourself?

Well, our team encourages you to break free from food guilt this holiday season, and harness one with no shame and more compassion.

It is okay to indulge every so often, like when you are surrounded by family and friends, and feel immense gratitude and pleasure for the food in front of you.

Remember: Your self-worth is not tied to your food choices!

You may be on a healing journey that entails some food eliminations, but if your values of "breaking bread" with family are strong, trust that one day won't hinder your entire journey to optimal health. The only way you can “blow it” is by believing those words and falling into the mindset of thinking “it doesn’t matter now, I may as well keep indulging.”

You can and will get back on track the next day, and recommit to any therapeutic diet or goal you are working towards.

We encourage you, of course, to make mindful choices and eat what makes you feel your best. But we also don't want you to waste your energy on overthinking about food, so you can be present with your families and friends, and truly enjoy the holiday spirit.

A few tips we recommend are:
1. Prepare in advance and bring a "safe" dish you know you can enjoy, and fill 1/2 your plate with it.
2. Decide what "dishes" you really love, and skip the rest.
3. Enjoy yourself and take pleasure in the food and atmosphere around you.
4. Wash your hands clean of the meal, and recommit to your goals the next day.

We wish you all a happy and guilt-free Thanksgiving!

#foodguilt #foodshame #holidayspirit #guiltfree #mentalhealthawareness ##motivationforahealthylifestyle #holidays #healthandwellness #functionalmedicine #healthcoach #tips #wellnesstips. #primehealthdenver  #youaremorethanyourfoodchoices ...