Seasonal affective disorder kicks in during fall and stretches on out through winter. It’s that unwanted family member who shows up without calling first and makes themselves comfortable on the couch with no exact exit date.
Ugh.
The acronym for seasonal affective disorder is SAD, which is kinda accurate, especially when I look over my journals from the past 7 years. Sadness is what I usually feel. Very reflective. Doors closing and opening. Sun hiding. Chill settling.
This year I don’t really feel sad, though, just slow-motion.
Here’s a more complete list of symptoms:
- Feel sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious
- Lose interest in your usual activities
- Low energy
- Eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta
- Changes in appetite/weight
- Sleep a lot (or not enough)
- Trouble focusing
Who seasonal affective disorder affects most:
- Girls and women (although the brothas dealing with it too)
- People who live where daylight hours are short this time of year
- Residents of cold climates and constant grey skies
- Inactive, non-cardio-getting mfs
Physically, it’s the lack of sunlight and melatonin. Mentally, it’s realizing that yet another year is ending. So much happened since January, right? In the world and within ourselves. Spiritually, it’s knowing that even more is on the way.
Melatonin is a hormone produced via sunlight. No sun, no melatonin. While you could easily go pick up some supplements, I’d recommend boosting your food source first.
Here’s a game plan (that should not replace therapy):
Physically: Pineapples, bananas, and oranges are high in melatonin. Eat up. Those fruits all grow in sunny, tropical climates. Take a trip, if you can. I’m definitely getting my ass down to Florida at least. And move your body everyday. Dance, walk, plank, squat, sex, asana…something!
Mentally: Grab your journal/notebook/partner and reflect on the year. Name it. Then go through each month, from January to now, and try to recall all the significant shit that happened.
Spiritually: Set an intention. How would you like to show up in the world next year? It helped me to use third person vs first. (e.g. She has a plan with her money and follows it. She keeps a clean house. She has a marketing plan. She’s consistent with what she’s committed to.)
Now it’s your turn.