SADD that time of the year

[sundial]

sundial- you would be so proud. I went out and rode in the rain for an hour. I swear I have never been in rain that intense. I rode for about an hour on trails with plenty o roots. I made it and the guy I rode with likes to ride in the winter. I can't believe how much better I felt, except I still had that sleepy feeling I get when it's cloudy...one day at a time...

You deserve a big hug!

I started craving carbs by September and I'm trying to hit the woods at least 2 times a week. So far it's working great! I really think we underestimate how important sunlight is to our health and well being. Just tell yourself you only need 30 minutes outside and hopefully that will keep you motivated.

[Miranda]

I get SADD too. I'm sitting here with all the window shades/blinds/curtains in my house completely cranked open. DH goes through and pulls the mini-blinds to the slatted position. I tromp back through and pull the things ALL THE WAY UP. Let as much light in anywhere as possible.

I know this has nothing to do with light, but I find feeding my outdoor birds helps. I have several kinds of feeders right on my patio where I can watch them. Plus a heated bird bath. They are so happy to eat and drink. Outside-- freezing to death. Still trying to make the best of it. Something about watching nature thrive in winter uplifts my lack of light depression.

[Selkie]

Less than a week before the days start getting longer!!

[sundial]

I haven't been outside in 4 days and I'm getting buggy. I really want to play in the sleet but my bike won't appreciate it.

[Red Rock]

I am excitied for the days to be getting longer too! Yea. I look forward to that as much as anything else this time of year. When we have had nice days around here, I have tried to make an effort to go for walks for about an hour or so. I think I have been a happier camper also.

[michelem]

Still waiting for my lamp . . . these rainy, dark days are really wearing on me. Plus, I'm thinking that some of it is post-marathon let-down as well . . .

[sundial]

Can you get outside for 30 minutes or so?

[michelem]

sundial,

I have no desire to go outside when it is dark and rainy! :Yesterday, the sun was out for a portion of the day so I went out to my car during lunch as a way to get some sunlight through the car windows, but protect myself from the cold wind. Pretty much every day for the past two weeks has been either foggy or rainy . . . not much sunlight whatsoever. My lamp is supposed to arrive tomorrow!

[salsabike]

Three more days...

[Kalidurga]

I have no desire to go outside when it is dark and rainy! :Yesterday, the sun was out for a portion of the day so I went out to my car during lunch as a way to get some sunlight through the car windows, but protect myself from the cold wind. Pretty much every day for the past two weeks has been either foggy or rainy . . . not much sunlight whatsoever.

That's it exactly. It's very easy to recommend that someone with SADD just go spend some time outside, but if the weather's crappy that ain't gonna do much good 'cause the crappy weather is a contributing factor. I can't tell you how many days off I've had when it's been grey, drizzly and/or cold, then the clouds break and the sun comes out on the day I go back to work. I could go out and ride or hike on those grey, drizzly days, but the weather conditions end up affecting my mood and leave me feeling as gloomy as the sky looks.

I'm very interested in hearing what results you get from your lamp, michelem.

[Selkie]

Kali - I got a Verilux happy light this year, and I use it every morning when I arrive at work. I also started taking Vitamin D. Both have helped. I've actually thought about getting a happy light for home, too.

The weather here has been so dreary and not at all conducive to being outside, which has not helped at all. Raining again today and predicted for Sunday, Christmas Eve, etc. Take it easy on yourself. Do something sinful, like bake cookies and eat a few of them. T

[Kalidurga]

Raining again today and predicted for Sunday, Christmas Eve, etc.

Yeah, mickchick, I've been avoiding looking at the forecast since I saw those predictions, since those are, of course, my only days off in the coming week.

One thing I have been doing that I think might be helping is meditation. I recently began meditating in the mornings for other reasons than SADD. Since then, I've had several crappy weather days off. I've still had zero motivation to do any kind of exercise on those days (which makes sinful cookies a bad idea!), but I have noticed that I've been less morose. This doesn't surprise me as meditation is known to improve mood, so I'm going to keep track of how this progresses.

Still considering one of those "happy lamps" too, though, just in case.

[sundial]

sundial,

I have no desire to go outside when it is dark and rainy!

I assumed you lived in an area that didn't get much rain.

[sundial]

It's very easy to recommend that someone with SADD just go spend some time outside....

I've got it too. I wasn't trying to be flippant about it.

[michelem]

I assumed you lived in an area that didn't get much rain.

I'm learning that this is a common misperception of people who aren't familiar with Northern California. They think it is all sunshine and beaches out here -- HAH!!!