Are You S.A.D.? How Seasonal Changes Affect Self Esteem

• By clane
• Posted in Uncategorized
• On December 2, 2013
• 2 Comments.

Seasonal Affect Disorder (S.A.D.) is a condition that afflicts many during the winter months. If you’ve ever felt lethargic on a cloudy day, you know what I’m talking about! You have fog on the brain, making it difficult to string two thoughts together. You may feel lethargic, and get things done at the pace of a slow moving reptile! If you are driven like me, you may feel frustrated that it’s hard to get motivated to work on your goals. You may even feel depressed. Projects are put off and your self esteem drops like the temperature on a cold winter day. Sound familiar?

Whether you have a full blown case of S.A.D., or your motivation is just a little low, like most of us, the winter months will affect your energy. Less sunlight does leave many of us feeling like the spring has left our step! And we definitely don’t feel like going outside on those wet days Seattle winters are famous for! Exposure to sunlight helps our bodies make vitamin D, and deficiency is not at all uncommon, especially here in the Northwest. Exercise may be put off as we go into hibernation mode, not unlike the bears. We eat more comfort food, indulge in sugary holiday treats, put on a little weight, and this adds to our sluggishness.

So is it all doom and gloom? Absolutely not! There are many things we can do to improve our energy and mood during the winter months (or at any time for that matter!). A thorough physical is a good place to start. It was a naturopathic physician who discovered my vitamin D deficiency. Supplements made a huge difference, improving my mood and increasing my resistance to bugs. It’s important to get tested.

Some other helpful strategies might be to look at what you’re eating and drinking. Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration is common, and can leave us with brain fog and lower energy. Have you been tested for food allergies? Typical symptoms include chronic fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, and digestive difficulties. Wheat, corn, sugar, gluten, and dairy are common culprits.

I know. I know. They’re in everything! When my doctor told me to give up these foods I was fit to be tied! “What??!! Give up French toast, cheese and ice cream?! What’s left to eat?!”, I cried. “Do you want to feel better or not?”, he retorted. It was a transition that challenged me because I was physically and emotionally addicted to those foods. But, to my surprise, three weeks later I experienced more energy, mental focus, and passion about life than I ever realized was possible! And I discovered many delightful alternatives, such as almond milk, goat cheeses, and the sweetener Stevia.

Wintertime can also be time of reflection, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves. Practicing mindfulness can increase our awareness of difficult feelings unexpressed. Many of us have unresolved baggage, unaware of the emotional shifts in our bodies. Feelings are energy! That which we resist persists! Expressing fear, sadness, and other uncomfortable emotional states, can reduce depression and anxiety as we release pent up negative energy from the body. And it’s a great anger management strategy! Feel and express these emotions in a safe way. Practice mediation and exercise. They are some of the best anti depressants on the planet along with a healthy diet. Let go of a tendency to people please, as you make room for your own self care.

Finally, get some full spectrum light bulbs. Put them all over your house. They are similar to natural sunlight and can do wonders to dispel those gloomy feelings on a dark day. Besides, you can sit under them in your fuzzy socks and blanket, sipping something warm, as you read inspirational literature that helps you cultivate a positive mental attitude! Check negative thoughts. Research suggests they may weaken your immune system. Write a gratitude list, reminding you of the abundance in your life. Post positive affirmations. Start small if you feel overwhelmed. Consider a life coach if your feeling stuck. You will be amazed at the transformation you experience as your energy, mood and overall self image improve. Here’s to you!