No, I'm not sad, are you sad? More to the point, do you or have you experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder? I was thinking about this earlier today when I looked out the workplace window at 5:00 p.m. and saw that the sun was still shining. About a month ago at 5 p.m., the darkness was firmly entrenched in what was left of our day.
I have in past years experienced the symptoms that are associated with SAD; feeling generally miserable, lacking in energy, being tired, low spirit, depressed, craving for sweets, weight gain. I don't know if those cover all the symptoms but those are what I can relate to in the past. But this winter is different. I can't point to any of these and say that I've felt them or experienced them and I was questioning myself today why this year is different. And the answer I have come up with is my change in the work situation which has given me more time to spend outdoors. I have spent time outdoors on the very coldest days even when the sun wasn't shining and just being outside for part of each day has made a big difference on how I view the day. Some days I didn't really want to go out, but forced myself and was glad for having done so, 'cause my spirit was so much better for it afterward.
Tomorrow is the mid-point of winter. Each day will grow a little longer, maybe just by a little bit but every minute counts, right? In another month, we'll be pushing our clocks ahead by one hour, if that is mandated where you live. It's just another step along the year, maybe not one everyone looks forward to but one that brings about rewards in itself.
So I'm wondering how everyone is feeling and if you have experienced SAD, how have you coped with it or continuing to deal.
Did you just say it's only mid-point of winter?? AHHH!! I'm definitely suffering from SAD but I also went to the doctor yesterday, and I apparently have vitamin D deficiency. So I started taking some, and I feel way better in the last few days!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you are feeling better. Good news this morning. Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow, so perhaps an early spring? :)
DeleteI am getting quite excited now the days are getting a little longer. I don't normally experience SAD, it's as you say, getting outdoors as much as possible helps. And opening the curtains wide and letting the daylight in.
ReplyDeleteI do that also, first thing in the a.m., up go the blinds to let in the day. I have two windows 8 ft by 8 ft to light up my indoor world. :)
DeleteI enjoyed your post this morning and totally agree with you inasmuch as when I force myself to take that afternoon walk with my little dog, within five minutes of starting, I feel better,more energized, etc. There's good to be found in all seasons, we just have to look for it, will continue to enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by; nice to have you here. Does your little dog enjoy the walk as much as you do? You are so right, sometimes we have to look for the good. :)
ReplyDeleteOh SAD is truly real I am having a bit OK maybe a lot of it this year. It is probably the lack of sun but since I am outside everyday taking care of my farm and try to walk in the bush I am more apt to think it is wrapped up with outside issues I have no control over. Anyone who suffers from this(SAD) has good years and bad years depending on what is going on in their lives during this tough time compounding it. . I think at least her in Ontario Canada it has been extremely cold and there have been lots of days without sun, we are hoping for spring soon.
ReplyDeleteI truly hope all affected by this can get out keep busy and DO phone friends and try not to let it KEEP you down.Spring is coming and it will get better. B
I absolutely agree with you Buttons; some years are worse than others and can be influenced by factors over which control slips through our hands. I can point back to my full-time work, the pressures and demands from me that I don't have now and see how it affected me in the dark season last year. Hindsight is 20/20. :)
DeleteI find that getting outside for a good long walk will help me. Though, I must confess, sometimes I really have to push myself to do it! =)
ReplyDeleteI get like this sometimes in the winter as well... to make things worse, I live in a city that has the LEAST sunny days during the winter months in Canada. lol! It's insane! I whip open all the curtains and just try to keep busy and be happy. I'll take the sun when I can get it and find that even popping outside for a few mintues here and there helps! :)
ReplyDeletePS - You won a giveaway on my blog.. come take a peek!