January 27, 2004
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Seasonal Affective Disorder
OK, I’ve had enough. It’s only the middle of winter with at least another month or more to go before spring and I’m ready to hibernate till the sun comes back. I shouldn’t complain because the East Coast is having it so much worse, but I swear to god I have to really concentrate not to let this dreariness affect how I think about everything. Here’s a few tips I found:
All-Natural Treatment
Treatment of severe cases of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) often includes psychotherapy and antidepressant drugs. Below are a few natural remedies to help ease the effects of the mood disorder, according to Body & Soul magazine.
- If you can’t afford a light box ($200-$500), a cheaper alternative may be to purchase full-spectrum lights (which cost about $10). Exposure to these lights 30 minutes a day may help improve mood.
- When getting outside during daylight hours proves too difficult due to inclement weather, a vitamin D supplement can help make up for what you don’t get naturally from the sun.
- Try 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. Research shows proper conditioning is a natural antidepressant (i.e., jogging releases dopamine in the brain – something which SAD patients often lack.
- If you’re able to, watch a comedy or catch some live music – never underestimate the power of laughter and some upbeat tunes.
Deep Thought: Like jewels in a crown, the precious stones glittered in the queen’s round metal hat.
Today I am grateful for: A job where I don’t have to look at the gray sky all day
Comments (8)
I’ve been walking more…OK< well, just a little…it does help…
not going to get the lights…we do have sun on occasion and when that happens I am out in it as much as possible.
and I love comedy…movies or whatever…I also got a new CD of some soothing music….
The best treatment I have found for most ills, Is to LIGHTEN UP. :WINKY:
A pun! You funny.
Just a brief walk in fresh air helps and also I like to count my blessings to lift up my spirits. However, being a native NW person, I don’t let the sky get me down too much unless its 6 months of grey. Then, I pray for a ticket to a sunny place….LOL
I turn on lots of lights, drink some strawberry wine coolers & play 60′s music. Sounds retarded, but it works for me!
The doctor told me to march in place in front of my television if I couldn’t get out! Maybe if you eat a vitamin D tablet, turn all the lights on and march in place naked while watching a comedy you will have discovered the trick to happiness.
How to get through the winter: good books, good wine, and plenty of firewood.
Chocolate works too.