Don’t you dread it when you leave to go to and from work, and it’s dark and cold outside? It’s really the cherry on top of an already stressful and difficult season. Whether you’ve got a case of the winter blues or you are battling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, there are things you can do to help make it through the winter.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD as it is also known, is a debilitating form of depression that is related to the change in seasons, affecting about 5% of adults in the US and lasting about 40% of the year for people on average.

What can be done to help people struggling this time of year? For one, we can focus on foods that help us feel better! Below, Jaya Jaya Myra, a mind-body wellness expert and bestselling author, explains some foods you need to be eating this winter to boost brain health and mental wellbeing:

Fatty Fish Such as Salmon, Trout, or Sardines
Feast of the Seven Fishes for everyone! Salmon, trout, or sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and are linked to lower risks of mental decline.

Want a vegan alternative? Hemp seeds and flax seeds are both rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Blueberries
Berries are amazing, but blueberries, in particular, should be a staple in your diet this winter. They are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids, that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, helping improve memory and delay brain ageing.

Leafy Greens like Spinach, Kale, Broccoli
Winter salads are yummy and awesome for you! Leafy greens are high in brain-boosting nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene, all of which contribute to slower cognitive decline.

Nuts (Roasting on an Open Fire Optional!)
Nuts are full of amazing antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy fats, and they also help the body make the happy hormone serotonin!

Nuts can also improve mental clarity and are associated with lower risks of depression.

Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which crosses the blood-brain barrier, promoting memory, reducing inflammation, alleviating depression symptoms, and supporting new brain cell growth.

About Jaya Jaya Myra
Jaya Jaya Myra is a former immunologist turned mind-body wellness expert and bestselling author. She has been featured in hundreds of media interviews globally. Her non-profit, Gita for the Masses, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organisation created to help people overcome obstacles and be victorious in life. You can learn more at her website, www.jayajayamyra.com.