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Keeping in Touch:  Shorter days = the blues  |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 29 2014 : 3:25:02 PM
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We all know this is the season for shorter days. It's also the time of year when the weather can keep you 'stuck' for a few days. I am prone to the blues also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
I have a full-spectrum OTT light that helps, but I don't rely only on that. I like to use brightly colored fabric when I sew projects. I also like to listen to summer music - think Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffett.  Another trick I like to ward off the blues is to look at seed catalogs while planning what to grow. 
How do you chase away the Winter Blues or Cabin Fever?
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" -John Wayne
www.farmallchick.blogspot.com www.farmallchickphotos.blogspot.com |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2014 : 7:57:57 PM
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I no longer try to fight it, which I feel is a losing battle. Instead I embrace it. If I feel like crawling under the covers in a dark room, I do. I know I'll feel better eventually. The way I see it, we need physical darkness in order to be healthy. The seed lies in the dark earth before it sprouts. Babies live in the dark womb before they're born. There's a type of sacred darkness that we need in order to be healthy. To everything there is a season.
Cindy
"Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free; And stand where the peaks meet the sky and the rocks reach the sea.Where the rivers run clear and the bracken is gold in the sun. and cares of tomorrow must wait till this day is done"--Loreena McKennit
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7160 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7160 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2014 : 02:58:27 AM
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I'm one of those crazy people who love dark, rainy or snowy days. There's just something about the silence and soft lighting that make me very, very happy - so peaceful and life-giving. We're kind of forced to rest a bit more; to sit back and reflect on all of the goodness in our lives. Things kind of slow down; life takes on a much more relaxing pace. People aren't coming and going nearly as much, there are less happy interruptions by unexpected guests... It gives me time to unleash my creativity and let my mind wander. And we sure spend a lot more quality time together as a family this time of year. It's a special season of connecting and sharing. Love it. Just love it.
I don't know why, but this season makes me feel very romantic and peaceful. Being "stuck" in the house makes me really, really happy! I like to make everything all cozy with candle light, pretty decorations, hot tea and cocoa at the ready, the scents of good things wafting from the oven or crockpot... What a wonderful thing to walk in from the icy cold into a warm home and hot meal! 'Warms the bones AND the heart! A joyful song or lovely tune is always playing in my heart, and you'll often hear me humming or singing as I putter around doing my chores (I try not to be annoying, though, honest!). I also play Christmas movies as often as I can sneak one in - they always evoke a cheerful, hopeful mood for me. And cozying up under a comfy throw to read a good book or really beautiful magazine while sipping hot tea always makes me happy, too. I just started knitting again, so that is definitely keeping my mind on the new stitches and the people for whom I'm wielding the needles. It's so therapeutic - I had long forgotten. The ultimate "fun" for me, though, is reminiscing while scrapbooking our past, and I love all the memories evoked as I work on special papercrafting projects as gifts for the people I love. My mind always wanders to the joyful things in my life, which always causes my mind to drift to the hopeful future ahead. I always eventually end up in prayer, talking to the Lord. Just me and Him, enjoying the quiet and celebrating the goodness together. I just love that. Soaking in nice, long, hot baths by candlelight with orchestra music gently playing in the background makes everything right at the end of the day. Finally, slipping into soft jammies and under my big, comfy down blanket keeps me warm and cozy. Soon thereafter, I'm always lulled to sleep into a wonderful world of dreams. To me, THIS is living!
I just so wish that for all of you who are not as comforted by this season! I hope some of the things that I do and enjoy will help you, truly. Just remember it's the little things that make all the difference. I think Cindy's got it right: embracing it is very good for the soul, as is this "sacred darkness" (LOVE that, Cindy - that's exactly how I feel about it!) is very necessary for rest and rejuvenation.
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3239 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3239 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2014 : 04:42:03 AM
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When I was younger and the kids were small I had SAD every single winter here in the great north woods. But, I find now that I'm older it just doesn't affect me quite the same as it used to. I throw myself into a major "project" to consume me during the dark cold days and I actually have a winter reading list that I refer to. When the sun does appear I open ALL the drapes and blinds and sit in my front room-The very brightest in the house with huge windows and I just sit quietly and absorb the sunlight. I really believe though that having goals set every day are what really bring me through till spring.
Melody |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3129 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3129 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2014 : 06:00:12 AM
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I don't get it too much down here in the south, but did when we lived up north. I found that I HAVE to go outside, ven if that means bundling up from my head to my toes, at least once every two to three days. I have also found that having all the blinds open and music on, really helps. The colder months are perfect times for "inside" projects, be it reorganizing rooms and decluttering (I like to do this every few months, lol), or for me, crafting even more than normal, lol. This winter I am hoping to work on crocheting, trying to work on a quilt (I started it but the irl that was teaching me moved), and maybe even teaching myself how to knit. I am extremely a beginner at crocheting and quilting, so I may just stick with those two, but we will see :) Like Nini, I LOVE snowy and rainy days, but I hate being stuck in my "four walls." With having six small children in the house, I often feel that way, anyways! Especially with not being allowed to drive at the moment :/ Praying the next few months are gentle on the emotions of all the Farmgirls!
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
5165 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
5165 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2014 : 06:19:07 AM
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I, like Nini like the darker colder days. I do appreciate a sunny day now & then throughout the winter months.
All day Tues TCM ran old horror flicks from the 30s - 60s. I watched everyone of them and fully enjoyed my day. Starting in the morning another day of old horror flicks - planning on watching all of them too. I look forward to them every year. I do manage a little house work when the previews are running.
The main reason I like fall & winter is that I feel better and without the Texas heat & humidity bearing down on me MS fatigue is some milder. Most days I can last unto the afternoon before the fatigue gets the better of me.
Another reason this time of year is my kind of weather is that I write cozy mysteries. Been working on 'The Silo Murders' since last year. Had to stop writing when summer set in.
One funny thing about me dealing with MS is I have optical problems. I can write, but cannot read more than a page at a time before all the letters run together and make no sense to me at all. I have a friend that proof reads & edits my work so I don't have to read it - just make corrections or rethink what I have written.
I absolutely adore the season of long shadows.
Sara
Walk in Peace - Live with Joy
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014 |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4464 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4464 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2014 : 09:09:36 AM
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Nini, I read your reply just giggling, because we are such kindred spirits (as we know).
I love the coziness of home in winter. I love the way soft lamps light up a room, and candles glow to make everything so home-y. I do more crafts in winter since I don't have to tend to the garden, a forced time to "rest".
I play my 1940's music, get my chores done, and enjoy the cozy. ;)
Though I can sympathize with SAD sufferers...it gets awfully grey for looooonnnnngggg periods of time here in CT during the winter.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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Cozynana
True Blue Farmgirl
1123 Posts
Kem
1123 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2014 : 02:59:11 AM
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| SAD hits me every year the middle of Oct. And does not leave until the first if April. I too have a light, but does not seem to do the trick. Wish I could move to Australia for the winter, because it is summer there and return in the spring to welcome summer weather here. I love summer time. Oh well, last night snuggled up with hubby by a warm and toasty fire in the wood burning stove and fell asleep, it was wonderful. |
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Dapple Grey Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
670 Posts
Betty
Goodrich
Texas
USA
670 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2014 : 7:01:26 PM
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Don't know what it is, but I seem to come alive in cold weather. Love the fireplace going, hot teas and cocoas. As long as I am bundled up warm, going out to the barn tending animals is a brightener to my day as well as knitting or crocheting by the fire. Seems I get a lot of my crafting done in the winter time. Maybe it is because I have more time since being inside. Instead of "spring cleaning" it is like I have been "winter cleaning" out things in the house.
~ Betty ~
Farmgirl Sister # 5589 |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2014 : 04:14:45 AM
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I struggle with winter and feeling stuck as well!!!
Reading all these posts was an encouragement and I will take some thoughts/ideas to heart.
I hope to try this year to embrace/enjoy more??!! Try anyway!
I decided this year to focus on my indoor seedlings in Jan and just keep thinking about getting them into my spring container gardens!! I think that will help me a lot:)
Best wishes for those of us that SaD hits so hard this time of year :(
Hugs,
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart
'For I know the plans I have for you......'
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harpermmi
Farmgirl at Heart
8 Posts
Joan
Fennville
Michigan
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2014 : 1:31:35 PM
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Because our farm is near Lake Michigan, we experience many gray, snowy and windy days. So last winter, I bought myself a Scottish Step Dancing DVD and taught myself some basic steps...enough that I can break out dancing when I listen to Alasdair Fraser play his fiddle. So I vote for dancing away the blues, to whatever type of music moves your feet.
from Pleasant Hill Farm |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4250 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4250 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2014 : 7:05:27 PM
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I'm like Betty. I love fall and winter. I go outside every day, no matter what the weather. I try to ride my bike or take a long walk. I don't mmd a rainy day indoors, bur I love being out in the cool crisp air. Taking a Vitamin D supplement helps a lot with SAD. No matter, what I hope everyone feels a ray of sunshine every day in the winter.
Dawn in IL |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2468 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2468 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2014 : 11:04:45 PM
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To help get over the blues, I try to focus on others. I'm not aPollyanna all the time, but helping others gets my mind off myself and also helps some else at the same time. Lots of folks have more needs than me.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
Posted - Nov 24 2014 : 5:41:52 PM
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I fit somewhere in the middle here...I love to be in the house on a snowy or rainy day...but also get times when the sadness overwhelms. I do make sure I get outside every day whether I feel like it or not. Plus I take Vitamin D on the recommendation of my physician. Depression is difficult and really all about the brain chemistry so once you realize that it is really no different than having any other illness, at least for me, it helps me accept and work through the tougher days. Peace and love to you all! Star
EstleSchippFarm.blogspot.com
If you can't feed one hundred people, then just feed one. -Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver
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loribeck
True Blue Farmgirl
588 Posts
Lori
Alvordton
36
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2019 : 6:38:58 PM
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I never used to be bothered when the days became shorter and cold weather came to visit. The dreary sky and lack of sunshine never bothered me before I went into menopause. For some reason, that set things in motion. I seem to get the blues when rainy days last more than 3 days and the sky stays dark and dreary. Even though I just love the fall time, I still end up getting the blues.
Lori Beck |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4250 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4250 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 04:09:57 AM
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I have noticed this rainy spring, summer, and fall we are having in my area has given me an early case of SAD. I try to spend as much time as possible outside to help lift my spirits. The vitamin D does help and I need to take it since blood tests show that I and the rest of the people in IL are deficient. Exercise helps me chase the blues away as well as listening to music that cheers me up. We are in for a few days of sunshine at last here and I plan to get out and soak it up!
Cheer up!
Dawn in IL
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." N. Hawthorne |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
5165 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
5165 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 04:55:51 AM
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Maybe it's because of our oppressive summer Texas heat I've always looked forward to the shorter - cooler - darker days. Also I have MS so I feel better when the days are cooler or even cold.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015. & Feb 2019
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4250 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4250 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 05:28:02 AM
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I'm so sorry to hear you have MS Sara. My sister has been battling with it too. She said the heat and humidity really make it worse for her. She too looks forward to cooler temps and shorter days. Enjoy your autumn, hope it is cooler for you.
Dawn in IL
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." N. Hawthorne |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
5165 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
5165 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2019 : 05:39:34 AM
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Thanks Dawn. So sorry to hear your sister is dealing with it too. Tell her I know what she is going through and hope she fills her good days with things she enjoys.
It's 60 this morning so I am canning dried beans in my Yellow Rose Cottage. Been up since before six and the beans are in the pressure canner. I am blessed with days like today where daily fatigue has not set in yet and the cooler weather will help to keep it a bay a little longer. I do so love autumn and winter.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015. & Feb 2019
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
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NatChap
True Blue Farmgirl
304 Posts
Natalie
Clarkesville
GA
USA
304 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2019 : 08:40:21 AM
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SAD used to affect me until I had vitamin D levels checked and implemented a supplement for that. Also, a full-spectrum light bulb helped a lot. The heat in summer is more apt to depress me. I was told I had MS in 2005 and discovered the MS Swank dietary protocol by Dr. Roy Swank. In short it is a diet consuming no more than 15 g of saturated fat per day. Also, I take a multivitamin, a good fish oil supplement, vitamin D-3, and B complex. Fortunately, I have had no issue beyond the very first symptom/diagnosis of optic neuritis. It may have been a fluke thing, or "benign". Another thing I quit was diet sodas or anything with aspartame, which is linked to mimic MS.
Keep shining!
Natalie
"Ask what makes you come alive and go do it." ~Howard Thurman |
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loribeck
True Blue Farmgirl
588 Posts
Lori
Alvordton
36
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2019 : 6:29:57 PM
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It was a beautiful day today. Sun was shining and I spent a lot of time outside with my puppy. Our driveway is a half mile long so I can go for a walk on that and not have to worry about traffic. I have started taking Vit. D also as my doctor said that I am deficient in it. My husband got me a treadmill as I love to walk and when it's raining I can just hop on that. Hopefully all of the other stuff I have started trying will help out with the blues.
Farmgirl 7774
Never miss a sunset
Lori Beck |
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stephaniesmith
True Blue Farmgirl
58 Posts
Stephanie
Independence
MO
USA
58 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2020 : 1:05:43 PM
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What a great topic! I think that so many of us deal with this every year. I love everyone's methods for getting through, and I plan on adding a few of them to my routine.
I live in Missouri, and winter weather here is all over the place! Any time the temperature is above 50ish, I open all the windows and air the house out! We may have to all wear sweaters indoors, but the fresh air is so needed. Also, on the sunny days, I bundle up and get outside as much as possible. I love to take walks through the woods. Just getting back in nature is so beneficial.
Hang in there, ladies! Spring will come. It will, right?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Indigohoneybee |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
7222 Posts
Denise Thompson
NJ
USA
7222 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2020 : 2:38:49 PM
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We finally had sunshine today. I was so glad to see it as we have overcast and rainy more than sunshine and I don't like to do anything when the sun doesn't shine. I had all the curtains open to let it all inside.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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OneRedZinnia
True Blue Farmgirl
529 Posts
Debbie
Goodrich
Texas
USA
529 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2020 : 4:15:33 PM
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I feel for you farmgirls up North so I don't wont to sound winey! Lol! Temperatures here hit 80 today. Muggy and humid. Being in the southern part of East Texas our weather is always from one extreme to the other. One day we are wearing shorts and the next we may be bundled up for the cold. Today was raining, drizzly, overcast and these days are SAD for me. I try to immerse myself into my sewing and crafting. I am learning machine embroidery so that is fun. When it is cooler I do love to crawl in bed and read or watch tv and just plain ole be lazy! It is a down time to relax and destress. I tend to overdo and not take time to rest. So like Nini said it is time to sit back and reflect! I love Denise's quote by William J. Bennett!!
~ Deb aka OneRedZinnia ~
Farmgirl Sister #5585
June 2018 Farmgirl of the Month
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
7222 Posts
Denise Thompson
NJ
USA
7222 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2020 : 06:52:42 AM
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Thanks Debbie! I love that quote too.
Why is it that when we have cold weather we want warm and when we have warm we want cold? Hawaii was the only place I have ever lived that the weather was fantastic. It's like 80 degrees year round there. The sun shined and the rain never seemed to last long. If it did the temps were nice so it didn't matter.
We are having a sort of reprieve with some sunshine. But along with that a wind chill of 19 so.....
I am bundling up good as I have to go out in it.
DO the lights they talk about using really help? I have never used one but I know there are winter days that really give me the blues. Does anyone ever notice how that sometimes comes in waves. I know certain months when something has happened in the past seem to affect my mood during that month even though the event is long past.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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Edited by - levisgrammy on Jan 17 2020 06:58:23 AM |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1451 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1451 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2020 : 7:24:42 PM
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I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder too. I live in the Seattle area so we often have lots of long, dark, dreary days during the fall and winter. I have used the 10,000 lux light treatments for several years. When I'm really struggling during December-January the light treatments do help if I sit for about 30 minutes in the morning and another 15-20 minutes around the time it starts getting dark. I've also found that keeping a strict schedule of waking up and going to bed at the same time every day so I'm only sleeping for about 8 hours helps alot. As does doing yoga every morning and getting out for a walk every day...or if it's just too wet for that then riding the exercise bicycle instead. I have changed all the light bulbs in the house to daylight type or halogen so there is good light in all the rooms where I spend alot of time. Good music always puts me in a better mood too. I think the biggest thing I've found to help though is to stay busy and stay active with friends and family. At least for me keeping my mind off the darkness helps me get through the winter months easier. I've also learned that it's alot easier to to go with the flow and accept that I have these challenges and not be too hard myself on the days when I can't function at 100%. Luckily I work in the landscape industry so my work load is slower during the winter months so it sort of fits my personality to a tee. I had a teacher in high school who always told me I was solar powered! She was right that's for sure!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Keeping in Touch: Shorter days = the blues |
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Shorter days = the blues
