Good Day, Regular People. They're real, and they're a time of low energy, where everything you know you have to do seems like it's made up of 5. I've learned a few techniques to help during these longs months of winter, I hope that by sharing here it can help to make this time more manageable for you, too.+++.
Before meeting Jane, my therapist, I waded through the winter months with a tried- and- so- not- true- how's- that- not- working- for- you approach. A big ugly monster throughout my life has been the winter blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder, what people call "SAD". I have been this way about the heavy winter months for as long as I can remember, and grew up thinking Oh just me. Just me, sighing twenty times in a row while staring out of a Jack Frost impressed window. But if you ask around, you’ll find that it's not just you.
Lots of us struggle with their mood during this gray time of year with the days of less sun, less hours of light. Finding out that SAD is much more than a wimpy response to the fall and winter months made me feel like I had a chance of doing something about the anchor on my spirit that came during this season. If I could find a way to deal with October through April (probably only January for you, but I do everything extreme when it comes to lack of sunlight), then there was hope. There is a reason, proven and scientific, for the winter doldrums. Less sunlight reduces the serotonin, which is nature’s feel good hormone, that your body makes. When our body makes lots of serotonin, we feel happy. Less sun, less serotonin, less happy.
If you're like me, which means you've been in a corner already crying ten times before 9: 3. Trader Joe’s because you forgot your tree- loving canvas bags, then I think I can help you with these suggestions for getting a hold of these winter blues. I can’t say this enough times: please see a Doctor. Medication is pretty dang close to miraculous, so ask for it. Talk therapy is another miracle worker. So are support groups. You don't have to tough out SAD alone. Use color. Sounds so dumb, but we don't have to make our black turtlenecks into our uniform. I have a bright orange cardigan I wear over my black turtleneck since I can't ditch my black T- neck altogether, it's my blankie.
The glow of orange makes me feel like I'm my own chestnuts roasting by an open fire. The human psyche is influenced by color. Greens and blues have been found to be the most uplifting.
An Ongoing Conversation For the Good Of Dallas. “My goal for 2016 is to recruit additional members for the Wilkinson Center Board of Directors. I have been this way about the heavy winter months for as long as I can remember, and grew up thinking Oh just me. Just me, sighing twenty times in a row while. Eph. 3. Two weeks ago, a friend of mine told me she was having a hot flash. I leaned in. “Are they real? What are they like? None of my friends has talked about. Good (go͝od) adj. bet·ter (bĕt′ər), best (bĕst) 1. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience; good news from the hospital. 2. a.
Surprise? Nope. It's because they remind us of outside!). Showers are magic. Though it can be tough to find the oomph to shower, it's worth it. You'll feel better being clean. Find ways to give yourself a lift. It costs $7. 0. 0 for a nail color, not a full manicure, at most nail salons.
Your feet, color change only, run $1. I do this once a month in the winter. Every time I look at my twinkleberry hands and feet, I feel better about myself. Find what makes you smile. Listen to your favorite comedians on You. Tube at least once a day. My tried and true guarantee is George Lopez.
But I swear by Tig Notaro and Cameron Esposito. Prozac in 5 minute audio bursts. Get yourself a light box if you can. I found an affordable one at a warehouse store. If you are able to do it financially, this is an investment you will not regret. Exposure to the rays will stimulate serotonin production in your body and that's how the human body works, remember?
Themoreyou know. - -Exercise. Exercise is like sunlight for your body; it makes your body produce serotonin. So walk outside for an hour, run around a local gym for 3. Join a pickle ball league (it's only for January, you can do it). SLEEP at least 7 hours a night. Serotonin is made while you’re at rest. More sleep, more serotonin.
Some more quick changes to help you during this time: -Ease up on the sugar, turn to protein instead- Take a multivitamin with D- Give yourself a special hair treatment: cut, color, deep conditioner. Something out of the ordinary.- Fight the urge to isolate yourself - - reach out to friends via phone, text, or social media- Keep your choice of movies/books/music, light. Nix The Fault in Our Stars. Same goes for Adele)- Hold your pets.
A lot. Recognizing what we need in the way of mental health care is the best course of action. You’re not the only one struggling through these winter months, many of us are right here with you. As long as we keep a bright blue pitcher full of yellow daisies on the kitchen table, we help make the way to March easier.
As long as we look for and implement whatever it is that brings a smile, we stand a good chance of seeing these months through. When you're armed with knowledge and understand how brains and bodies work with SAD, it makes it easier to see why you have to do what you have to do. Read more, learn more, join Facebook SAD support groups, see your Doctor, check in with friends, and practice good health. Hang on to hope, spring will be here again.
It returns every year. I promise you. Until then, come back here any time you need to and stare at this. I know I will.
The Free Dictionarygood. В (go͝od)adj. bet.
В·ter(bĕt′ər), best(bĕst)1. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience; good news from the hospital.
Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint; a good joke. Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party? Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good. In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
Used formerly to refer to the US Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice. Of high quality: good books.
Discriminating: good taste. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican. Well- behaved; obedient: a good child. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name. Attractive; handsome: good looks. Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest. Competent; skilled: a good machinist. Complete; thorough: a good workout.
Reliable; sure: a good investment. Valid or true: a good reason. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good. Ready or able for a specified or assumed activity: I'm good for another round of golf. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh. Ample; substantial: a good income. Bountiful: a good table.
Full: It is a good mile from here. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen. Sportsa. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay: Good heavens! Good grief! n. 1. Something that is good.
A good, valuable, or useful part or aspect. Welfare; benefit: for the common good. Goodness; virtue: There is much good to be found in people.
A product that is bought and sold: frozen goods. Portable personal property.
Fabric; material. Slang Incriminating information or evidence: tried to get the goods on the crook. Idioms: as good as Practically; nearly: as good as new.
Informal Used as an intensive: The pipe started to leak but good. Permanently; forever: I'm moving to Europe for good. Informal Very; thoroughly: I'll do it when I'm good and ready. Informal. 1. Worthless. Futile; useless: It's no good arguing with them.
For the best; advantageous. In an advantageous financial position: ended up to the good. Usage Note: In standard usage, good is an adjective, and the only verbs it should be used with are linking verbs such as be, seem, or appear: The future looks good. The soup tastes good.
It should not be used as an adverb with other verbs: The car runs well (not good). Thus, The dress fits well and looks good.
See Usage Note at well. I would not do this without good reason. Banking & Finance) (of a draft) drawn for a stated sum. Banking & Finance) (of debts) expected to be fully paid. I took a good look round the house.
Cookery) US (of meat) of the third government grade, above standard and below choice. America''. 2. 9. used in polite or patronizing phrases or to express anger (often intended ironically): how is your good lady?; look here, my good man!
Good. 4. 1. a good thing. Economics) economics a commodity or service that satisfies a human need.
I have left them for good. I never got any good of this machine. I could never get any good of him. Old English gōd; related to Old Norse gōthr, Old High German guot good]ˈgoodishadjgood (gʊd) adj.
It is good that you are here. His credit is good. Fresh fruit is good for you. Have a good time. She has a good figure. She's a good friend. English. 2. 7. socially proper: good manners.
Democrat. 3. 4. (of a return or service in tennis, handball, etc.) landing within the limits of a court or section of a court. Syrena. n. 3. 8. profit or advantage; benefit: What good will that do?
Sometimes, good. articles of trade; merchandise: linen goods. Informal. what has been promised or is expected: to deliver the goods.
Informal. evidence of guilt, as stolen articles: caught with the goods. Good! Now we can all go home. Informal. well. Idioms: 1.
The coffee is good and hot. This pass is good for two free seats. Afterwards, we were several thousand dollars to the good.[before 9. Middle English; Old English gōd, c.
Old Frisian, Old Saxon gōd, Old High German guot, Old Norse gōthr, Gothic goths]good′ish,adj. The use of good as an adverb, esp. He did good on the test. In formal speech or edited writing the adverb well is used instead: He did well on the test. The adjective good is standard after linking verbs like taste, smell, look, feel, be, and seem: Everything tastes good. You're looking good today. When used after look or feel,good may refer to spirits as well as health.
You're looking well; we missed you while you were in the hospital.