SAD - What's that? - Personal

Hello there!

It’s been quite a long time since I wrote for the last time. No excuses, just not really motivated to write anything worth publishing.

It’s that time of the year when you start feeling really lethargic and just want to stay in bed all day covered by a thousand blankets and drinking hot cocoa all day long. And that my friends is a syndrome that we might all feel during the season change, especially in autumn and spring.

It actually has a name and although it’s not really concerning it’s good to know that you’re not the only one feeling a bit more sad and lazy during autumn: we’re talking about the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

I really wanted to talk about this because I felt really like the only person out there feeling more discouraged and sad during late autumn and winter days until I started reading something about it and I think it’s really nice to explain that’s a normal and very common feeling and that it can be treated really easily.

First, SAD is a type of depression that’s related to seasonal changes. People usually experiment this during autumn and winter months but it can also happen to some during spring and summer.

You might feel like you’re lacking energy, you feel moody and see things more negative than you would usually do.

Some of the symptoms you might experience are:

- Feeling depressed and discouraged most of the days.

- Getting more appetite for high carb foods.

- Gaining weight.

- Having problems with sleeping, insomnia.

- It gets hard to concentrate and stay focused.

- Low energy levels.

- Losing interest in things you really enjoy.

So yes, basically it’s a reality that a lot of people experience this and it sucks, I’m not going to lie, but no drama! There’s an «easy solution» to get though this.

One of the main reasons we might feel lacking energy first is because of the hours of sunlight we get during autumn. We change clocks and we wake up in the dark and we get out of work also in the dark which makes our bodies crave that Vitamin D and serotonin that sunlight brings us.

Studies show that light therapy might help our brains to control this crave and change our perspective on how to face our days. Having a soft light during our wake up time makes us feel like we’re having that sunlight that’s missing and our intern clock adapts better to the new season.

Also, trying to sit next to windows were sunlight might come in during work time or getting out in our breaks to take a walk or exercise outside are great ideas to be like sunflowers that search for that sunlight that uplifts us so much.

Other things that might help a lot are keeping your inner peace through meditation, yoga or aromatherapy, whatever helps you calm down and connect with your inner thoughts in order to reorganize them and start or finish your day with a clear mind and set goals for your day.

Although I’ve talked about this before, at this time, getting into the habit and healthy routine of connecting with your body and feelings really helps avoid long periods of time were we can drown ourselves in our own negative thoughts. Guided meditations, reading, podcasts or music are great sources to relax and yet be aware of yourself.

Exercising is also a fantastic way to feel good. Moving your body releases serotonin and in my personal case, dancing is one of the best medicines I can have. You at least have two to five hours a day were you are focused on what you’re doing in class, you think about how your body is working and you also enjoy the dancing itself!

I also like to go to the gym and focus on the treadmill or on the strengthening exercises I do. I’m also attending to some Pilates classes which really helps me get my core engaged and balance my body for dancing.

Anyone can find it’s own way to overpass this time that can really irritate us but we can face in a different way to enjoy it. Allow yourself to also enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon surrounded by cozy, big blankets, Chai lattes and freshly baked muffins. Write a gratitude diary and tell yourself ten awesome things you’ve done in the day, because I assure you we all do or enjoy at least ten good things in a day.

Love yourself, realize that’s okay to feel like this during this time but you’re not alone and it will pass sooner than you expect!

I hope you enjoyed today’s post and tell me if you also experience SAD during this season. I would love to share other experiences!

Love,

Muriel