Posted by JC2 | Posted in Alternative Medicine, Emotional Health | Posted on 10-09-2011
Tags: exercise, light therapy, SAD
I haven’t seen the sun in four days and the 8-day forecast is not looking promising. While I am thankful our area is not being flooded with torrential rains, I do not appreciate the current weather pattern… especially since I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
I did not realize the impact of the sun on mental health until I moved from Texas to Ohio. The fact that we moved in the fall (when the weather was naturally becoming cooler and more overcast anyway) certainly did nothing to help the adjustment process. That first winter was a killer and every fall since then I have braced myself for the worst (and Ohio never disappoints when it comes to horrible winters).
So, even though it is only September, I am already feeling crawl-out-of-my-skin anxious. And a week of gray skies isn’t helping.
What are the symptoms?
#1 - I am overwhelmingly distracted and disorganized (this comes from one who struggles with perfectionism). With the start of school came a flurry of paperwork that requires careful consideration. At the same time, I am cleaning, categorizing and pricing seven years of baby “stuff” for the local PTA resale event. Visual and mental “clutter” is very emotionally draining for a highly sensitive person.
According to Lifehacker, tackling these mammoth organizational tasks might actually help me get out of my pre-winter blues.
#2 – I fell into a pattern of eating carbohydrates to increase serotonin levels (which is likely the cause of my latest intestinal attack). As a result, I am attempting a full-scale overhaul of my diet in the midst of huge back-to-school transitions. I have said before, I am not very good at recognizing my limits until too late (note to self: it’s too late).
Surprisingly, a diet low in sugar and starch might actually help SAD. Although the timing might be a bit “off,” removing gluten and adding more complex carbohydrates to the menu might keep me from suffering longer into the winter.
#3 – I have less energy for exercise and seem to take longer to recover from intense workouts.
Thankfully, I have made exercise a habit over the years (i.e. I force myself to work out even if I don’t “feel” like it) because maintaining an exercise routine is one of the best remedies for SAD.
#4 – I am even more reluctant to socialize. Although I am an extrovert, I come away from social situations either emotionally drained as a result of my innate sensitivity.
Having an active toddler (who feels left out when her brother goes to school) forces me to join play groups, library story times and visit local attractions. This regular social interaction is essential for emotional health during the winter. And on slower days, it is equally cathartic to shape play dough, color with crayons or put jigsaw puzzles together.
The most common (and surprisingly effective) treatment for SAD is light therapy. Thankfully, I have still not returned the light box
Do you feel lethargic and mildly “blue” when the weather turns cooler (and the skies gray)? What natural remedies do you use to keep your energy (and spirits) up?
I am SAD in the winter too!
YES… Light helps… LOTS of it.
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