Employee Wellness

Since the pandemic caused most people to stay at home, people think introverts were in paradise, and extroverts weren’t doing well. But is that the case? Read below to learn how introverts and extroverts dealt with this crisis. Also, learn tips for everyone in the spectrum that you can use in post-lockdown life How Did Introverts Deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic? 📖 An introvert is a trait characterized by introversion: a reserved or quiet person who prefers spending time alone and is contemplative. People expected that introverts would work better from home during this pandemic. However, this was not the case. Introversion connects more with uneasiness and dread. The uncertainty of this crisis was tough for them. For many introverts, the lockdown was a welcome change from normal life, and a chance to stay home. However, it quickly became isolating. Source: Bloomberg Introverts also found it challenging to return to the office. They often hide their frustration and bottle it up, increasing their anxiety when returning to their original working environment. Introverts will avoid social situations and activities. They will find small talk awkward, and they might be unable to say anything. They might even be sensitive and misunderstand what people say to them. However, there are reports to show that the mortality rate was lower for introverts than for extroverts during the pandemic. Our Tips for Introverts After the Pandemic Don’t keep your emotions to yourself because they might bottle up. Ignoring your feelings will not help or make them go away. If it’s hard for you to return to the office, plan what you should do to increase your happiness. Tell your boss so they understand your situation. Use self-help resources or ask for help from professionals if needed. How Did Extroverts Deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic? 🥳 An extrovert is a personality trait characterized by extroversion: a normally outgoing and unreserved person who enjoys and seeks out social engagement. Extroverts fared better in this pandemic than introverts—extroversion links with optimism, positive emotions, and resiliency. However, extroverts prefer socializing and working with their office mates rather than at home. They can handle working from home, but it can also increase stress and anxiety. When they got a chance for social connection, they often forgot the safety protocols and hygiene requirements; this can cause regret. For example, drug taking in the party scene increased, according to a UNSW report. The number of people taking ketamine jumped from 43% to 52% in their study. Source: The New Daily Our Tips for Extroverts After the Pandemic Be cautious about what you say. When you’re excited, you might overshare or mention sensitive topics to others. Be responsible for how you celebrate events. Try to avoid overdrinking liquor and consumption of drugs. Take care of yourself by washing and sanitizing your hands, following safety protocols, and being sensitive to others when socializing. Show social support. Tips for Introverts and Extroverts After the Pandemic Here are some tips that introverts and extroverts can follow now that the pandemic is over. Connect With Others Virtually and In Person to Maintain Consistent Communication 👭 Extroverts might automatically connect with their friends and family through social media and meet-ups. However, introverts might be more reluctant to do so. However, introverts must connect with their loved ones so their mental health will not diminish. Extroverts might organize parties or meetings with several people. Meanwhile, one-on-one communication will work better for introverts. Also, eat with your family, have a movie night, or do something else with your loved ones so you don’t feel alone. Social interaction is essential for great mental health. Keep Yourself Occupied with Tasks and Activities Although most entertainment is now available (clubs and concerts, for example), you may still need something else to entertain you at home (not including remote work). You can read a new book, learn a unique skill, or study a foreign language. Keeping yourself busy will enhance your outlook and give you a sense of purpose. But try not to overdo it and tire yourself. Go Outside to Exercise or Relax ☀️ You should go outside occasionally. Sunlight and fresh air will help uplift your mood. You can go for a walk, travel on a bike, or work in your garden.  Here are some examples of what you can do outside to keep yourself occupied. Final Thoughts on Introverts and Extroverts During the Pandemic The pandemic was hard on everyone, and we all dealt with it in our own way. Now that life is returning to normal, remember that you may still feel the effects of extended isolation, so follow our tips to keep busy and see your loved ones. Remember that you are not alone if you are an extrovert or an introvert.  Head to Tommy if you need more help adjusting to work after the pandemic. A Look at Introverts and Extroverts During the Pandemic How Did Introverts Deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic? 📖 Our Tips for Introverts After the Pandemic How Did Extroverts Deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic? 🥳 Our Tips for Extroverts After the Pandemic Tips for Introverts and Extroverts After the Pandemic Connect With Others Virtually and In Person to Maintain Consistent Communication 👭 Keep Yourself Occupied with Tasks and Activities Go Outside to Exercise or Relax ☀️ Final Thoughts on Introverts and Extroverts During the Pandemic

In the world of business🌎, the roles of leaders and managers are significant. A leader sets the goals and looks at the bigger picture. A manager runs the day-to-day operations to help reach these objectives 🎯. While both roles work towards a common goal, the difference between a leader and a manager is how they guide their team towards success.🤝 According to Indeed, “Leaders are people who inspire their teams to achieve their goals, while managers are people who strategize ways to meet those goals.”🥅 In the competitive world of business, the ability to lead with influence is a respectable and effective way to help a business succeed. In this article, we’ll look at how to become a leader vs a manager and how to use influence over power.🤩 Source: Indeed Understanding Leadership vs Management In any organization, the distinction between a leader and a manager is often unclear. However, these two roles can determine the success and effectiveness of a company📈. To navigate the path between leadership and management, understanding the differences is essential.  Source: Zippia  Understanding Leadership Leadership is the process of guiding a team or organization to success by outlining clear goals and using a set of essential qualities to influence and inspire others. Leaders are in a position of power, as they can effectively use their role to oversee the success of a company.  Great leaders have a crucial skill set. Here are some examples: A clear vision 👀: For an organization to succeed, a leader should have a clear vision. Once a clear vision is established, a team can work towards a shared goal to achieve success for the company.  Clear direction 🗺: Effective leadership requires having a clear direction of what an organization can achieve. They provide a sense of direction for their team, giving them a goal to work towards.  Effective communication 🗣: Leaders must have practical communication skills in order to articulate their vision and goals. By effectively communicating with your team, you can seamlessly provide information and guidance if necessary.  Emotional intelligence and empathy 🧠:  Good leaders consider their team members, especially when making decisions. By using this leadership skill, better relationships and connections can form.  Good decision-making 🤔: Being a good leader requires the ability to make decisions. Being decisive is highly necessary, especially in stressful or challenging circumstances. Leaders must consider many factors and make influential choices based on the happiness and success of the company.  Accountability 🙋‍♀️: Good leaders take responsibility for their actions and hold themselves accountable for the choices they make. They also hold their team members responsible for any success they’ve contributed to the company.  Influential leaders tend to display these qualities, working to contribute to the success of an organization. Having a good leadership style is vital for a company to grow and thrive. By encapsulating all of these traits, leaders can effectively inspire and influence a team. 🤩 Understanding Management A manager is someone responsible for the planning, organizing, and running of a company. Based on the precise direction of leaders, managers work to help a team achieve objectives and company goals. According to statistics, 70% of employees in the US are unhappy in their jobs due to negative management. Managers play a vital role in a company, ensuring efficiency and the successful execution of tasks.  Source: GoRemotely  Great managers have a key set of skills. Here are some examples: Efficiency ⏰. Managers are responsible for ensuring the workflow is efficient and successful. They must ensure the best outcomes are achieved with the resources available and the specific skills of a team.  Organisation 👍. Managers must be organized and ensure tasks are completed on time and up to a good standard. They must keep on top of the workflow and organize tasks.  Task delegation 📑. Managers must assign tasks and resources to the right people to ensure all operations run smoothly. An effective management style means assessing individuals’s strengths and ensuring they can handle a specific task or supporting them if not.  Communication 💬. A good manager must have good communication skills in order to discuss ideas, challenges, and goals for a company. This will ensure everyone on a team is on the same page and up to date with everything. Statistics show that 79% of employees will quit their jobs due to a lack of appreciation from leaders, so communicating praise is important.  Good oversight of operations👀. Managers must ensure the day-to-day operations of a business are completed on time and up to standard while keeping the overall goal in mind.  Good team coordination🤝. Effective managers make sure all members of a team contribute, collaborate well, and use their strengths to achieve goals.  These management skills are essential as a successful business requires strong guidance and organization when it comes to the day-to-day operations. A successful organization utilizes the skills of leaders and managers to create a streamlined, productive company🏆.   Source: GoRemotely Using Power vs Influence By using influence to inspire others, you can motivate coworkers and staff to push beyond their limitations, create groundbreaking products, reach groundbreaking sales figures and provide exceptional customer service. If you can make them better at what they do, it will lead to respect. 👍 So, what is the difference between power and influence, and how can we use them effectively?  Power: the capacity to get others to act based on a position of authority exercised over others. Power can often lead to resentment. Influence: the ability to modify how a person develops, behaves, or thinks based on relationships and persuasion. This will often lead to respect. If you want to motivate and inspire your team in the best way possible, understanding the difference between power and influence is essential. 🤩 The Perils of Using Power to Motivate Leveraging power means understanding the types of power and the benefits/costs of using it as a source for motivating staff. You can only use power and threats (such as you will “lose your job”) so many times before

The recruitment sector is fiercely competitive. So, if you don’t devote effort to the growth and development of your firm, you will be left behind. As the competition heats up, growing your agency’s profit should be a key goal. To assist you with strategizing, we’ve compiled a list of ways for you to bring your recruitment strategies to a profit-generating level. Read below now to find our top six profit-boosting strategies for staffing firms. Strategy #1: Increase Your Margin 📏 Rather than focusing solely on top-line growth, a key method to increase profitability is to use a series of tactics that all have one thing in common: profit margin. There are several options for doing so: Examine your pricing strategy: Are your products or services priced well enough to offer a good profit margin while still enticing the target market? Could you shift things around to boost your net profit and your bottom line? Concentrate your efforts and talent: Instead of just increasing prices across the board, consider concentrating your efforts in critical areas. As a staffing agency, you may have a relatively broad focus, but you will also have areas that consistently perform best. Could you focus your talents on these areas more to increase sales and boost your gross profit margins? Focus on selling through your most lucrative channels: In every kind of business, there are products or services that always garner more interest and that you may be able to charge more for. These lucrative channels are an easy way to grow your business and increase your profit margins. Look for methods to give your clients and consumers more value: While increasing profit margins is going to help your business, you should also consider how it will affect your customers. Make sure that the strategies you use to increase profits also enhance value for the consumer. Consider providing valuable insights to your clients or offering solutions before they even ask, positioning yourself as a strategic business partner. Lower your IT expenses (e.g., move to the cloud ☁️): Lastly, one of the easiest strategies to increase profits that you can do is to lower your own operational costs. Are you paying a lot for IT services? Cut these back. Utilize the cloud and keep your day-to-day costs down. You should make sure you’re getting the best fees possible from your clients—of course, backed with a strong market analysis. A lot of recruiters don’t know that they can utilize several marketing strategies to ensure that they make more than they lose. Strategy #2: Dive Into Other Sectors 🤿 Most recruitment companies specialize in and recruit for a few industries. The scope of possibility narrows as your reputation betters in certain industries, and you become the go-to recruitment firm to work with. You should explore branching out into new areas to overcome this and continue to develop your business and profit. Keep an eye on the business landscape for industries that are growing in popularity. Make contact with companies that are expanding in new, emerging markets. Emerging areas of the market are on their way to becoming a developed market, but not quite there yet, and they tend to be a good place to put your money! There are a few steps to take to spot an emerging sector, industry, or market. These include the following. Strategy #3: Go International 🌍 Recent government statistics in the US show that the number of foreign-born employees is at its highest yet. In fact, the statistics show that this number has been on an upward trajectory for a number of decades. But what does this mean for a staffing agency? Well, to begin with, it means there is definitely a market for international recruitment. And while going international as a company may seem like a big step to take, it may be more lucrative than you have considered. Source: Harvard Business Review Any company with its ear to the ground will know that there are a ton of benefits to hiring staff from overseas. Benefits include: Accessing the international talent pool 🏊: Staff from overseas, especially those who have been educated in emerging markets, will have skills that might not be as popular in the US. This means with broader access to potential employees, you’ve also got access to a better pool of talent. Less competitive: If you’re looking at a wider pool of potential employees, then it stops companies from targeting the same groups of people in their recruitment process. It means companies are more likely to be able to recruit talent that suits their company culture. Diversity and culture: Improving diversity in a workplace can have remarkable benefits. In fact, diverse companies are not only much more likely to be able to capture new markets, but they’re also 35% more likely to outperform their competitors. These benefits can set you apart as a staffing agency. If you’re relaying all the advantages of an international talent pool to your clients, too, then they are more likely to see you as a strategic company to stay linked up with. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Strategy #4: Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Your Advertising 📢 One of the most important sources of cash flow in your organization is your candidates. You can’t complete transactions without them. If you don’t have candidates, then you’re not going to make any money. So, one of the biggest focuses that you should have as a staffing company is your advertising strategy. What are you doing to ensure that the right candidates apply for your roles? How are you making sure that the best candidates in the field spot your advertisements in the first place? Upping your advertising game is one of the easiest ways to ensure you have the best pool of talent in the market. So, how can you ensure that your advertising is going to get applications from the best of the best in the field? We’ve created a checklist below of advertising musts for staffing

Mental health problems are incredibly common, with people battling through their mindset on a daily basis. 🙇‍♀️ Mental health includes a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts our everyday lives, affecting how we think, feel and react to certain situations.🗣  In the busy world we live in, receiving help for mental health issues is essential. THIS WAY UP is a well-known Australian supplier of evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  Source: THIS WAY UP  The objective of their organisation is to alleviate the burden of mental disease by providing accessible online treatment for anxiety disorders and related mental health conditions. 🧠 They are a not-for-profit project of St. Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales.  In this blog, we’ll look at their impact and how they help people overcome their struggles with mental health problems.   Source: KFF The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic🌎🦠 The Covid-19 pandemic not only affected people’s physical health, but their mental health too. It triggered a rise in mental health issues as people’s anxiety and depression worsened. From nervous breakdowns to heightened health anxiety, the impact was severe.😖 The National Institute of Health discusses the impact of the virus. According to their article, “In a 2021 study, nearly half of Americans surveyed reported recent symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder, and 10% of respondents felt their mental health needs were not being met.” In some cases, people have struggled to alleviate their mental health issues, creating a worldwide problem. According to a study, 90% of adults in the United States believe that the country is facing a mental health crisis. That’s where THIS WAY UP comes in.🤝 Source: National Institute of Health  What Does THIS WAY UP Offer?👆 THIS WAY UP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and offers telephone counselling, self-help, and web-based support programs. If you’re struggling with your emotions or mental health problems, THIS WAY UP is designed to offer you support and guidance.  THIS WAY UP is only increasing in popularity. According to their website, as of July 2023, there were more than 36,726 clinicians and more than 217,921 patients who enrolled.👩🏾‍🤝‍👨🏽 The website offers tools and resources if you’re struggling. It has articles, tips and programs. In the following sections, we’ll look at what THIS WAY UP offers.  Source: THIS WAY UP  THIS WAY UP Articles📝 THIS WAY UP has coping tools, techniques and programs for anyone suffering with any type of mental health issue. The website has articles, all designed to give readers tips and advice on how to overcome certain situations. If you want to explore the different coping mechanisms and useful advice, here are some articles THIS WAY UP offers: Calming Your Emotions🧘🏻‍♀️ Calm your emotions in 10 minutes with this article. This article includes helpful tips in creating a strong, positive mindset to control your emotions and deal with situations in a measured, calm way. Knowing What to Say💬 Sometimes, knowing the right thing to say is challenging. This article contains tantamount advice for you to effectively communicate with others in a variety of situations, helping you know when it’s best to respond instead of react.  Focusing on Solutions🤔 Perhaps, having the proper mindset is one of the vital things one must have in their patience kit. This article will tell you how you could govern your mindset without the risk of burnout. Returning to Workplace💼 If you struggled going back to work after the pandemic and you still find it a challenging barrier, then this article is a definite “must-read” for you. Not only does it contain reassuring health advice, but it also talks about relevant information in dealing with a remote environment, particularly skeletal workforce arrangement. Tips for Getting Through👍 This article talks about how you can survive the mental problems brought by the pandemic that still linger today. It revolves around empowering well-being to sustain mental and physical awareness. With this guide, you’ll be able to become a better version of yourself. Source: World Health Organization  Self-Paced Online Course👩‍💻 Mental health issues can impact our daily life. From going to work to meeting friends, it may not always be as easy as it seems. THIS WAY UP offers online courses for people looking to alter their mindset overtime by using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  The courses are designed to help you tackle potential feelings that come alongside mental health issues with techniques and training.😀 Each course has a certain amount of lessons, taking you through the program without bombarding you with information. Each lesson has a clear goal and plan, so you can take in the content and work to overcome your obstacles.  Here are the course THIS WAY UP offers: Programs for Mixed Anxiety and Depression  Depression Program  Generalised Anxiety Program  Social Anxiety Program Panic Program Health Anxiety Program  OCD Program  Mindfulness-Enhanced CBT Program  Post Traumatic Stress Program  Perinatal Mental Health Programs  Teen Worry and Sadness Program  Insomnia Program  Chronic Pain Program  Stress Management Program  Mindfulness Program  If you struggle with any of these mental health issues, THIS WAY UP’s courses may benefit you. The courses are easy to follow, and can help you cope with emotions, handle stress or deal with certain situations.🤝 Source: MHFA England Need To Speak To Someone?🗣 If you’re struggling with a mental health issue, speaking to someone is vital. This list of Australian focused mental health hotlines is for non-emergency use, and you can talk to a reassuring professional about what’s on your mind. In case of emergency, dial 000.📞 Australia’s Lifeline Lifeline is staffed by qualified volunteer telephone counsellors who are available to receive calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 13 11 14  Carers Australia Carers is a non-profit organisation that supports people. Caregivers and their families can benefit from counselling, emotional and psychological support. Call 1800 242 636 Kids Helpline For young people aged 5 to 25, there is a free, private, and confidential phone and internet counselling service available 24

Source: World Health Organization Good mental well-being means being able to cope in stressful situations and having the tools to deal with your emotions healthily. It means that you can learn well, work well, and be a productive member of your community. It also includes the absence of mental illness. Being in a state of good mental well-being can contribute to good overall health and means you can handle the stress of everyday life. But how can we achieve mental well-being? In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at how you can promote mental well-being in your own life with the six principles of mental well-being. 1. Eat a Balanced Diet 🍎 Mental and physical health are inextricably linked. When one declines, the other often does too. And though many in the medical profession are aware of this, we’re not really sure of the exact pathways that link them. What we do know, though, is that keeping yourself in good physical health seems to have a positive impact on your mental health. And one really easy way to do this is to eat a balanced and healthy diet. The USDA uses a simple graphic known as MyPlate to illustrate what your plate should look like with each of your meals. It displays a balance between food groups that is best for your health. Source: USDA On top of keeping you well nourished, ensuring you get all the vitamins and minerals that you need each day, and making sure you have the energy to go about your normal activities, eating well may also have other benefits for mental health. The gut-brain axis is a communication network that links the gut to the brain 🧠. Numerous studies have found that a healthy balance in the gut microbiome can have an effect on mood as well as cognitive function. The best way to keep your gut healthy is to eat a varied and balanced diet that includes fiber, fermented foods, and pre-biotics. 2. Get Sufficient Sleep 💤 Source: Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. In fact, they suggest that poor sleep can lead to physical ailments, like weight gain, diabetes, and high blood pressure, as well as leading to mental health conditions, like depression. If you don’t get enough sleep one night, the next day, you’re likely to feel fatigued 😴, lack the ability to concentrate, and have a lower mood. Periods of poor sleep can make formerly healthy people more likely to develop anxiety and depression. For some people, getting enough sleep on a night can be difficult. They may have worries that keep them up or struggle to switch off. If you’re struggling to sleep well, you should consider therapies like switching screens off an hour or so before bed, diffusing lavender oil in the bedroom, and drinking a relaxing tea like chamomile. If you have chronic sleep problems, it is imperative that you seek medical help to rule out any underlying problems. 3. Build And Sustain Good Relationships 🫂 Source: CDC Having strong relationships with those around us is thought to have a huge impact on mental health. In fact, research suggests that social interactions don’t even need to be with your closest friends for them to have a benefit on your mental health. What this means is if you’re looking to boost your mental well-being, spending time with your loved ones, friends, co-workers, and even acquaintances can actually have a positive effect. It can give you a sense of belonging and boost your happiness ☺️. So, why not schedule some time with your nearest and dearest and see how it helps your mental well-being? 4. Take Time For You ☺️ And while spending time with others is also helpful, having time for yourself and your interests is also beneficial. Finding a hobby in later life might feel like a strange thing to do, but pursuing your interests and spending time doing things that you enjoy can have a profound effect on your mental well-being. Hobbies can include things like taking up running 🏃 or horse riding 🏇 to creative hobbies like drawing, painting 🎨, or jewelry making. Consider putting yourself out there and trying something new. 5. Have A Positive Mindset 🧠 Having a positive mindset is a double-edged sword ⚔️. While being positive about things can be helpful for your outlook on life, don’t let it stray into the realms of toxic positivity, where you feel guilty for ever having a negative thought. Healthy positive thinking includes things like reducing negative self-talk and surrounding yourself with a positive outlook on life. Catch yourself when you start to say negative things about yourself and switch to more positive thoughts. Often, a good way to make the switch is to imagine that you’re speaking to a friend. Think about the negative things you say about yourself; would you say these things to one of your friends? Probably not. Negative self-talk can be bad for your mental well-being, and positive self-talk may actually help to reduce stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. 6. Find Your Purpose ❤️ Source: Harvard Health While the phrase ‘find your purpose’ can feel like you have to come up with some huge achievement you’re aiming for you in your life, like finding a cure for cancer or something, it’s not quite that deep. In fact, finding your purpose may just be finding a role in your local community where you help people. Everyone’s journey is different, but finding your meaning in life can help ground you, give you a reason to wake up and take care of yourself each day, and boost your overall health. Your meaning might be to help the kids in your class as a teacher, or it could be to make people laugh with your stand-up comedy. Whatever it is, make sure it aligns with your values and makes you feel good. Conclusion Mental well-being is important

Do you find yourself feeling flat, down, or sad during the winter months? ❄️ During winter, the dark mornings loom, and the days grow shorter. The  crispness in the air and the frost on the ground ☃️ may excite some, but for others, it’s a symbol of a downward spiral of negative feelings. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If this resonates with you, you may be suffering from SAD. According to the NHS, SAD “affects around 2 million people in the UK and more than 12 million people across northern Europe.” So, you’re not alone.   In this blog, we’ll explore Seasonal Affective Disorder and look at ways to overcome sadness during the winter months. Let’s get into it.🌙 Source: NHS What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is caused by the changes in seasons. 🌧🍂 It occurs during the autumn and winter months as the amount of natural daylight decreases. As the days become shorter and the amount of light is limited, some people struggle with their mental health.🌗 Here are some typical signs and symptoms of SAD: Low energy Feeling sad almost every day 😔 Losing interest in different activities Difficulty concentrating Sleeping too much 🥱 Changes in appetite like craving carbohydrates, overeating, and experiencing weight gain Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless 😖 Having thoughts of not wanting to exist or suicide It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience the same symptoms. Some people might have more extreme symptoms, and others may only experience one or two of the list.📝 However, if you feel any of these symptoms at any point, getting help is essential. If you or someone you know is experiencing depressive symptoms, seeking the help of a healthcare professional is vital.  Things you should do if you have SAD If you are diagnosed with SAD or experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, there are things that you can do to help you out.  Here are some protective steps to help you manage your symptoms: 1. Consult a healthcare professional💬 Consulting a healthcare professional is the first step you should take if you’re experiencing seasonal depressive symptoms. A professional will evaluate your symptoms and discuss how you’re feeling with you. They may also look into your family history, too.👩‍⚕️ From there, you should receive a plan of action to try to lessen your symptoms and find strategies to overcome the way you feel. For example, they may suggest light therapy, dietary supplements, medication, or lifestyle changes, depending on the severity of your feelings and symptoms.  Speaking to a professional is also helpful as it gives you the chance to tell someone how you’re feeling. This often helps people who feel lonely, depressed, or anxious as it releases their inner thoughts and emotions with someone there to listen.👂 2. Have more vitamin D🌞 When we’re exposed to natural sunlight, our bodies naturally produce vitamin D. So, it’s no surprise that there’s a lack of it during specific seasons like autumn and winter. Vitamin D plays a large role in the relegation of emotions and mood.🙃 According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), low amounts of Vitamin D are normal in people with SAD. This can be because of lack of sunlight or low intake of Vitamin D. The study, “The effect of vitamin D supplement on negative emotions,” found that vitamin D supplementation can reduce negative emotions.😌 3. Explore light therapy💡 Who would have known that artificial light would be helpful for SAD? But according to the study, “Seasonal affective disorder treatments”, it is! The NHS explains that light therapy “involves sitting by a special lamp called a light box, usually for around 30 minutes to an hour each morning.” The light boxes come in a variety of designs, from desk lights to standing ones.🛋 By being exposed to a bright light therapy box that mimics sunlight🌞, your brain will undergo a chemical change that will uplift your mood and help relieve symptoms of SAD. You just need to use it for 20-30 minutes per day, preferably when you wake up in the morning. Although this is safe and effective, it would be better to ask your doctor first before you use it. However, it’s important to be aware of some potential side effects of light therapy. These could include:  irritability headaches or eye strain👁 sleeping problems (avoiding light treatment during the evening and opting for the morning may help prevent this)💤 tiredness changes to your sight, including blurred vision👓  If you experience any of these side effects, talk to a professional or your doctor.   Dawn simulators are another form of light therapy. It usually comes in the form of an alarm clock and is programmed to wake you up at a particular time by mimicking the natural sunlight.🌅 Source: BrainyQuote  4. Consider aromatherapy🕯 Aromatherapy is the use of oils for therapeutic purposes. Based on a review published by the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, essential oils may decrease symptoms of depression and other mental health issues. This is because essential oils may potentially affect the part of the brain that controls mood and the body’s internal clock, which influences appetite and sleep. Evidence about its effects is limited, but they can improve our mental well-being even in a minimal way when paired with other soothing activities like taking a bath.🛁 5. Socialize with others👬 “No man is an island.” It’s what people always say, but it’s true. According to the study “The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it”, isolation can cause long-term psychological impact, which includes symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Maintaining social connections can reduce loneliness and improve feelings of isolation.<span”>🏝 Aim to prioritize seeing friends or spending time with your loved ones. Make social plans that you can look forward to. You could also look to meet new people by joining an exercise group or a local art