Seasonal Affective Disorder

[snoringdog]

1. Trying to stick to a few simple self-care routines in the morning, first thing.

(I know they work but often bypass them, jumping instead right into either negative ruminations, or attending to some necessity of the day, or some other distraction).

2. Using my little "artificial sun" box for a few minutes in the morning.

(Interesting that Dr. Won emphasized maintainng circadian rhythms along with other non-high-tech habits & practices in his interview. )

Basics go a long way. But so easy to neglect. Why is that?????

Thanks for the gentle prod, Oak

[snoringdog]

Bumping this up at this "....time of the rolling year"... (From A Christmas Carol)

Days will get longer now after the solstice.

Small comforts....

[oak]

Very true.

The days will be getting longer, and at around the same time many of us can expect to receive the COVID vaccine.

We just need to hang on during the short dark- and around here, overcast- days.

I was just discussing SAD with my counselor: it is a real threat to mental health.

I hope your SAD is under control, SnoringDog. Hang in there.

[snoringdog]

Damn. What a lousy few days!

It's been overcast and cold for days, and now it's raining on top of it. Oppressive!
Got seasonal allergies that make me feel congested.

Dog is sick, so I've been rousted in the middle of the night and the early morning for emergency outings.

Stressful surprise requests at work (that maybe I take too seriously and personally).

So - I'm feeling quite stressed and anxious. Loud or unexpected noises make me really on edge.

Last weekend though I was feeling pretty good, and "in control"- ready to tackle a few projects
(Sun was shining too).

I freaking *hate* being at the mercy of the atmosphere so much.... Damn it! I feel it as soon as I open my eyes.

(The little light box *does* help though. Note to self - I MUST do the self care stuff - no excuses! Instead of just curling mentally inwards....)

[snoringdog]

Oh My God.

The sun is out today, and I'm absorbing it full in the face right now, this am.

And before checking in for the Friday podcast, I did two of the non-negotiables that I've committed myself to-

Drink a full glass of water.
Do simple stretches and range-of motion.

(Will do Beany's 7-minute a little later, then at least one round on the bike to get the blood pumping)

Telling myself the "It's going to be a good day" (dammit!)

[oak]

Word.

This is the worst winter ever.

Like you, my entire mood seems to be tied to each day's sunshine binary. I think my soul is running low on hope and love, and that our bodies and psyches need sunshine more than we care to admit: that we are more animals than we like to think.

Hang in there.

[rivergirl]

I'm sorry you've been getting SAD, snoringdog.

I don't think I have the disorder, but I certainly feel an increased sense of well-being on a sunny day, especially on the kind of day we're having here today where the sky is blue rather than hazy, with only lovely puffy white clouds.

I hope the morning non-negotiables and the self-care help get you on a more even keel.

rg

[snoringdog]

It's awful out today. Overcast and grey. Weighs on me heavily
Time for my little light.

And at least the days are getting longer now.

[rivergirl]

Same here, SD. Raining and completely gray.

I hope your little light is helpful and brings some relief.

rg

[snoringdog]

For a brief moment with my eyes closed, it's like the line from "Kodachrome"

Makes you think all the world's
A sunny day, oh yeah....