It's that time of year again. The days are short, the skies are grey, it's bitter cold out and I'm ready to hibernate.
That's right, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is kicking in. For those unfamiliar with it, it is depression that strikes during the winter months for people who are generally mentally healthy at other times. Symptoms include difficulty waking up in the morning, overeating (especially carbs), withdrawing for social activities, lack of energy, lack of concentration, etc.
December 21st is the shortest day of the year. Logically, this would be the midpoint of SAD. I think I usually start to notice it in November, but this year I was tying things up at my old job and starting a new one in November, so I think I was so excited about that that it didn't hit me as hard. However, I am now settling into my new job and the holidays are over. I can feel the change sinking in.
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| I'm pretty sure alfredo sauce runs in my blood. |
I get off work around 4:30. I get home and sit in a chair in a daze. I spend most of winter in a daze, Eventually, my hunger gets the best of me, and I seek out dinner. Really, all I want is for Olive Garden to deliver fresh Fettuccine Alfredo (with or without chicken) to my door everyday around 4:45. But alas, that would be expensive and very bad for my waistline. And possibly my arteries.
I'm a bit worried that my therapy work will be slowed down by my lack of energy. I suppose there's nothing wrong with that, but as I've mentioned before, I am not a patient person. I have to make some kind of progress! Every week!
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| My little sunlamp...it's about the size of a deck of cards. |
So what to do? First of all, I will use my mini-sunlamp every morning. It helps a little bit. I will also take a Vitamin D supplement. I don't know if it will make a difference, but it is worth a try. I am trying very hard to eat healthy, and succumb to the carb cravings...at least not on a regular basis. I also keep trying to add exercise to the mix, but it's hard to make it habit when you're already feeling low on energy, even if I do logically know that it will help increase my energy level.
If anyone else has some ideas, please share! In the meanwhile, I'm going to eat some leftover cheesy bread and leave these links for you:
I'll take either one, but especially number 2! Thanks! ;-)
Rachel
Eat lots of citrus, and try replacing some of the lightbulbs in your house with the "HD" lightbulbs - they don't give you the UV that your sunlamp does, but the brighter light does help to alleviate it.
ReplyDeleteThe other good-but-difficult suggestion (related to exercise) is to get up in the morning and go for a walk when the sun first comes up. It's important to be outside in the sun when we have it, and the morning air will help to give you energy as well.
Are HD lightbulbs the ones that are a different shape? If so, that's what we have. I do like citrus, how does it help besides general good nutrition?
ReplyDeleteYes, the walking (also suggested by Jeremy) is more difficult in this weather. Also, it seems like the sun isn't up until I'm at work anymore! But that should start to change, right?