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Let There be Light!
By Tess Marshall
As a young mother stuck home with kids I dreaded winter and struggled with the “blues” from November through March. I overate, overslept and had low energy. I had clothes in different sizes depending on the seasons due to weight gain. One day I heard on the radio that the sun shines 364 days of the year in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At that moment I vowed I would live in the southwest someday.
My daughter Kara began taking afternoon naps the moment she came home from school in tenth grade. Often I would have to wake her out of a deep sleep at dinnertime. Later as a freshman at DePaul University she became depressed and dropped out after her first semester. It was then that I recognized both she and I suffered from the condition called SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. In the spring and summer she was fine but the stress from the lack of light in the dark, cold winter, windy city months in Chicago took its toll on her body. We were victims of the seasons. I recalled what I heard on the radio years earlier and suggested she transfer to New Mexico State. Kara thrived there and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
If your moods change because of lack of sunlight in winter months, or if you work in a basement without proper lighting, work the night shift or travel frequently across time zones, you could also suffer from lack of sunlight, as you constantly fight against your natural body rhythms.
Many people with symptoms notice lack of energy, change in appetite, weight gain, loss of libido, change in wake/sleep patterns, poor quality of sleep, avoidance of social situations, irritability, inability to concentrate, tearfulness—even suicidal thoughts.
| Today there is help if you also suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here are some simple ways you can help bring a dose of sunshine to your light deprived winter months: |
A fluorescent light box—The main device used in phototherapy. The length of sessions depends on the intensity of exposure. They sell for around $179.00 and can be ordered from The Sunbox Co. Light boxes can be purchased without a prescription but a diagnosis by a qualified health professional is recommended. Check your insurance company for coverage.
Exercise—According to The Journal of Sports and Medicine, aerobic exercise is the best. Walking outside in the middle of the day when the light is the brightest is very helpful. A 20-minute walk in the sunlight and fresh air can boost serotonin levels in the brain. Take up snowshoeing or cross country skiing; a little goes a long way. If you invite a friend, it can be relaxing and fun!
Plan a vacation in January, February or early March in a sunny climate. Being a runner, I go to Phoenix to see my daughter and compete in a local road race while I’m there. If you can’t afford to do that, add fun to your life in other ways. Play summer music, rent summer movies, throw an indoor picnic and invite friends.
Be vigilant about complaining about the weather and refuse to listen to others complain. It’s difficult enough to keep your energy up; instead choose to look for ways to lighten up and brighten up!
Add light to your home. Choose light colors for walls, light-colored furniture, sheer curtains, and sit near big bright windows. Force spring bulbs such as paper whites, grape hyacinths, and cheery daffodils. Choose brightly colored bouquets for rooms you spend the most time in. You can’t control the gray sky but you can brighten the inside with light and beauty.
Use aromatherapy to help your mind and body. Lavender creates calm and soothes nerves. Chamomile lessens irritability. Sage enhances moods. Lemon revitalizes and jasmine extends euphoria. Seaweed uplifts spirits and eucalyptus increases energy levels.
Include summer foods in your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, watermelon, sweet peas, and salads, or anything with low carbohydrates.
Listen to motivational tapes, inspirational music and read spiritual books. These can renew faith, restore perspective and lift your attitude. |
Finally, if your symptoms seem severe, seek a physician for specific personal advice for concerns about your health or well-being. Often times we think we “should” be able to “get over it” and continue to suffer in silence. A quote comes to mind that says, “A smart person asks for help but a wise person receives it.”
Tess Marshall is an expert in helping people choose to be happy. Sign up for her free tips on happiness at www.tessmarshall.com. Tess is a professional speaker and author of Flying by the Seat of My Soul, also available on her website. |
