Recently, I’ve been feeling reflective and a little bit melancholy.  I’ve been moving through the days and nights a bit slower than before. A co-worker mentioned that soon we would be turning the clocks back, and it CLICKED!!!  My nemesis has returned and is again trying it’s best to take me out.  SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is back!!!

SAD has plagued me for years.  I suffer from the most common version which saps your energy and leaves you more depressed and moody during fall and winter months.  I’ve noticed it has intensified as I’ve gotten older, especially after my divorce.  Daylight is my energy source; kind of like that 1960’s cartoon superhero Birdman.  As soon as nightfall approaches, I want to get on my bed (or sofa) and curl up in a cozy blanket.  If I don’t push myself, I can become a hermit during these seasons.  I start canceling plans with friends to veg out in front of the tv or with a good book.

The time to start making a plan to fight this is now!  I start my day off with scripture and prayer.  I’ve increased my water intake and trying to exercise to be well hydrated and keep my endorphins high.  I’m also planning trips that can’t be canceled to get me out of the house.  I’ve told people in my yoga community to question me if I start dropping out of classes too often.  Time alone can be used to enjoy some hobbies that have been overlooked: crochet, working on jigsaw puzzles, and sewing.  Being creative usually brings me a lot of joy.  Having these things in place should keep me going to the Winter Solstice when we will start gaining more daylight, because March is a long way off!