Up until I quit work, I didn't realize about the winter blues....winter depression....or, S.A.D., which stands for seasonal affective disorder. I'm not sure that I like the word "disorder", though....because to me it conjures up having the word "mental" in front of it!!!
;)
My Mom used to talk about how she dreaded the winter-time because it always depressed her....and I just didn't understand that at all. Of course the reason why....I realize now....was because I was working under fluorescent lights all day long!!! So....now that I'm "home alone" much of the time....I completely realize where my Mom was coming from with her statement about winter!!!
Here are just a few of the symptoms I found of S.A.D.:
- A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
- Weight gain
- A drop in energy level
- Fatigue
- A tendency to oversleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability and anxiety
- Increased sensitivity to social rejection
- Avoidance of social situations and a loss of interest in the activities you used to enjoy
I've found a few things that help me overcome those long, dreary, cloudy winter days!!!
Light up your life
I try to be frugal in a lot of areas, especially since we're a one income family. Part of being conservative is to not turn on lights unless necessary. Since we live where we're surrounded by a lot of trees....and our house doesn't have an overabundance of lights in most rooms.....whatever room I'm in....I turn on the overhead light. It's AMAZING what a difference that makes, just having that light in the room.
H2O & Exercise
I'm gonna combine these two because they go hand in hand. One of the symptoms of suffering from S.A.D. is a craving of carbohydrates....which leads to weight gain. So....I've found that it really helps me to stay hydrated....drink plenty of water....which helps me to feel full and less likely to overeat. And....even 15-20 minutes of exercise can make a world of difference in my mood....so it helps to work up a sweat and get those endorphins moving!!!
Get thyself a hobby
If you don't already have a hobby....then, find yourself one. One of my favorite things to do and I find so relaxing....and rewarding....is to crochet. I also love to sew....I've bought a few books that I'm reading....and doing Bible studies on certain topics. Find something to occupy your time.....but, more importantly, your mind!!!
Get up and get out
If I've spent a couple of days cooped up in the house....Pappy will insist that I go somewhere....anywhere....to just get out of the house.
Just do it
I realize that it's not always easy....but sometimes we have to just make ourselves get out of bed....get dressed....clean our house....cook meals....do the laundry....whatever the task is for the day!!!
These are just a few ideas that help me....and might benefit you, too, if you find yourself getting a bit down and out after several cloudy winter days!!!
If you work outside the home....then, you might not even begin to understand what I'm talking about....I didn't either, for many years!!!
And....look on the bright side....spring is just around the corner!!!
:0)
HOPE all of you have a week full of blessings!!!
In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Even though I work, I work in from home so the majority of my day is setting at a desk with a file cabinet beside it. I love having a window at the desk for the sunlight, but I still have days that I feel like I'm going stir crazy. You give some good advice. Some I do, some I need to try so thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. The SAD is really kicking in high gear this year for me!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely looking forward to Spring. I always feel like it is a new beginning.
ReplyDeleteKel
I often suffer from this. It's not as bad this year though. We have found a church that we like in addition to the one we pastor. We can go to church and worship as a family. Believe it or not, that is important!
ReplyDeleteHope all is going well with you. We are about to get a foot of snow in Chicago! Woo hoo!
Janet
www.homeward4.blogspot.com
sweetie, I totally get what you are saying! It is hard here living in the Pacific Northwest where it is so raining and gloomy too. The dr. told us to take vitamin D. I find getting out and doing anything like you said, just get out of the house does help!
ReplyDeletexoxo
blessings
melody
I suffer from the same thing. I already have Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar II. I know exactly how you feel. It really is hard to get out and about when you are feeling this way. But you are so right, we just have to do it. Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteLove Ya, Mary O
That is a great post Deb. I found that we needed to get those lights on and hang the electric bill..and turn on the music too. Dancing helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet comment on my giveaway post.
xo
Donna
Hi, I found you on Bee's site and I found her on my friend Beth's - I was immediately drawn to your blog title, this is one of my favourite scriptures and one I quote often. I too can relate to SAD I cannot bear to sit in dark rooms and always feel less cheerful in the winter months. I will be back to visit again - God Bless - Nita
ReplyDeleteGreat tips to overcome the winter blues.
ReplyDelete