It’s the end of the year and I’m tense with excitement and frustration. Excited because the holidays are nearing, which means days off from work, time with family, and plenty of good eats. Frustrated because, well, it all circles back to money and time and energy. Holidays ‘round here equate to a lot of buying.
While I look forward to the kids being home from school and the mister being home from work, I’ll miss my moments of silence. And though I genuinely love buying gifts, bills don’t stop. A new entrepreneur, I’ve been warned that income will begin to slow down right…about…now. The lack of indictment last night didn’t help.
I’m very much like the cute little meditating meerkat that I shared on Facebook awhile back, begging inner peace to come on because I don’t have all day. Funny, right? Also conflicting, I know. But it’s my truth. According to the number of likes and shares and comments that the post got, it’s our truth. My body is tired and my mind is busy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is real…
And according to the experts, it sets in right…about…now, which is why it’s also referred to as “winter depression” or “seasonal depression.” Though they aren’t 100 on what causes it, it’s guesstimated that it’s due to the lack of sunlight. Makes sense, right? When I’m feeling ugh, one of my favorite mood boosters is going for a walk or run. Well, if it’s two freaking degrees outside, that’s pretty much a no go.
Who does it most affect? Us!
- Women
- People who live far from the equator, where winter daylight hours are very short.
- People between the ages of 15 and 55. The risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as you age.
- People who have a close relative with SAD.
Peep the symptoms and you can be a little more proactive about making sure that you don’t fall victim this year. Or if you’ve already have, even if just a little (like me), then you can recover more quickly. Seasonal Affective Disorder will make you:
- Feel sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious
- Lose interest in your usual activities
- Eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.
- Gain weight.
- Sleep more but still feel tired.
- Have trouble concentrating.
Other sources, including the MayoClinic, point to the lack of melatonin. Makes sense. 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. Read a dozen or so sources on foods high in melatonin and they all agree on these three foods…
Pineapple, banana, and oranges
Notice the common denominator yet? They’re all grown in tropical places. Places with beaches and year-round warm weather. In addition to nom-nom’ing the hell out of these fruits, if you can, visit some of these areas.
And reverse those damn symptoms!
Acknowledge that you’ll lose interest in your favorite activities. Try to do them anyway, and if you’re just not feeling it, then discover new hobbies. Limit those carbs! Lord knows if you start gaining weight, it’ll only make the situation worse. Engage in some good sleep activities. Whenever the weather permits, go outside! Do some living room cardio, yoga, meditation, turn on some music and sing loud! Wind them hips like your life depended on it and whip out that self-care list.
If pulling your writing out of a funk and taking it to another level is something you’re interested in, ask me about my Writing Magic course.