Days are noticeably shorter and the lack of those long sunny Riviera days can make us feel low and a little miserable. Here are some recogniseable symptoms that tend to appear during those colder days and 5 tips on how to beat the winter blues.

* Change in appetite, particularly for sweet or starchy foods

* Weight gain

* Change in sleep patterns

* Tendency to oversleep

* Avoidance of social situations

* Decreased ability to concentrate

* Irritability

* Decreased energy

1. Light Up Your Day

A lack of light reduces levels of serotonin, which is the chemical within our bodies that makes us feel happy and as a result we can suffer from the winter blues and in more serious cases it is known as SAD, the 'Seasonal Affective Disorder'. Using light boxes or brighter light bulbs can make quite a difference. Even better would be to go outside on a regular basis and expose yourself to as much natural daylight as possible. If you spend a great deal of time indoors, whenever possible sit beside windows and allow natural light to flow in by leaving curtains and blinds open.

2. A Healthy Diet

Eat more carbohydrates such as whole wheat pasta, rice, fruit and fruit juices. This will increase the levels of serotonin. Avoid sugary snacks which make blood sugar levels fluctuate and effect SAD.  Oily fish high in Omega 3 and Brazil nuts can also help improve symptoms. Brazil nuts contain selenium which is a mineral that boosts the production of serotonin. A handful a day is the recommended daily allowance and will also help your immune system.

3. St John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a naturally occurring herbal treatment which has been used for years to treat depression. It is recommended for SAD and acts as an anti depressant. If you are taking other medication such as the pill, St. John's Wort can interfere, so seek medical advice.

4. Exercise

Regular exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety and stimulates natural chemicals called endorphins, which is the body's own happy pill. It is recommended to exercise at least three times a week for about 30 minutes. Aerobic exercise can really help with depression.

5. Winter Sun

Natural sunlight is always the best way to beat the winter blues. So whenever the sun shines on the Riviera, take advantage and enjoy a stroll by the beach or in the hills.  Even if it is cloudy, the outdoor light can only be beneficial and good for the soul.

Have a Happy Winter!

Two great products to help you through winter
by Alexandra Soveral

Voted 9/10 by THE TIMES ANTI-AGING FACE OIL Contains powerful antioxidants such as carrot, borage seed and fennel. It also has rejuvenating ingredients including clary-sage, rose and palmarosa. Apricot Kernel and Evening Primrose oil is the base, which will keep your skin nourished and soft. Lifts tired and lifeless skin by its re-invigorating affect on muscular tone and decongesting effect on the skin. You may use it on its own or under your moisturizer for extra hydration. 15ml £41.50   5ml £23.00 Warnings: Avoid during pregnancy

“As an instant pick-me-up, this is about the best thing in the market” THE TIMES BODY & BATH OIL FOR TIRED MINDS & BODIES For those who are always on the go and have a tired body & mind, this is a really lovely way to reward yourself for all that hard work you’ve been doing. Neroli is a great tonic for the circulation and it relieves stress-related conditions such as anxiety, it calms and soothes nerves. It also has lemon to lift the spirits, lavender to balance emotions and geranium to deal with negative feelings. Top Tip – For very busy people. Apply oil on just showered wet skin and pat-dry with a flannel, et voilá, beautiful soft skin with zero effort. 100ml £40.00   30ml £18.50 Warning: Do not use during pregnancy.

To order email us at The Riviera Woman