I was born on the winter solstice, that is, the shortest day of the year. Perhaps because I entered the world on the day of the year with the shortest amount of daylight, or perhaps in spite of that fact, I need copious amount of light. As such, the winter months are challenging, and I often lack energy and spunk that I have effortlessly in other months.
Several years ago I was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and as I have spoken with others about this condition, I have learned that many of us have these winter blues to different degrees. I share with you some strategies I have learned over the years that have helped me through the short, cold days of winter here in the Mid-Atlantic, and hope they can help you too!
Go Outside
Many years ago I lived in London for four years. The sun came out in full force approximately once a week. On those days I learned through mere instinct to be outside as much as possible, and, as silly as it sounds, just look up at the sun. I would close my eyes and just let my face absorb the warmth of the sun. Rarely the sun would be so bright in London that I would need sunglasses (in fact, they remained packed away in my suitcase during most of the time), but I always felt better after.
I eventually observed other Londoners doing the same, so I did not look out of place. However, here in Maryland, I know this is not a usual practice, but I am willing to guarantee that if you take a few moments on the days that the sun IS out and just close your eyes towards the sun, with or without sunglasses depending on the brightness, you'll feel positive effects right away.
The practitioner who diagnosed my SAD also recommended spending time outside even on days with the sun is not shining, which according to my own (and probably skewed) winter poll seems to be more often than not. She told me that just feeling fresh air is still helpful. As much as cold weather also is not so fun for me, I have to agree with her.
Open the Curtain and Blinds
I am blessed that my home has lots of big windows, notably in the living room. Every winter day, and most other days for that matter, I pull the blinds all the way up to get the maximum amount of natural light coming through. On even the coldest winter days when the sun is shining, my living room creates a greenhouse effect, and the sun warms the living room, and I can enjoy feeling the sun on my skin without having to go outside.
Turn on the Lights
I know this is not an energy efficient option, but I have learned that having lights on in the house really helps me through the long dark winter evenings. Even artificial light helps my raise energy levels when my body's typical reaction to dark is to just want to relax and sleep.
Light Cardio
Though I do yoga regularly and prefer the outdoors for cardio exercise, three different practitioners have advised me to be sure to incorporate light cardio at the gym because of the endorphins produced that will help lift my mood. Though it is hard sometimes to go to the gym in the dark after work with my little one in tow, it IS beneficial, and I'm trying hard this winter season to make indoor cardio more a priority.
Indoor Activities at Night
This little trick I learned completely on my own by experience has done wonders. To maximize the amount of daylight I am exposed to, I try to do "indoor activities," or go to places with no windows, at night. For example, I recall one time my family and I were deciding on which time to go to the movies, and we chose an early evening time rather than an afternoon time because the day would have been cut even shorter by being in a windowless environment while it was still light outside.
Trip Down South
Certainly this is not the cheapest option, but I have discovered that when I can take a trip to warm destinations, even a weekend trip, especially in January, it really helps me get through the winter months. (I have even asked for these winter trips as Christmas and birthday gifts.) For many years a dear friend lived in a beachfront condo in Miami, and I would fly down for a long weekend every January. All I paid for was the round trip plane ticket, and I literally would just spend the weekend either on the beach or at the pool and catching up with my friend. As much as I love traveling, eating out and seeing new places, these trips were not for that purpose. I just needed to sit and let my body absorb the much-needed sun.
These days as a mommy, it is a little more challenging to get a trip in, but we have still made it happen. We recently took a trip to Disney, and it was not a coincidence that we chose January for that trip! Even though the trip was tiring from lots of walking around theme parks, I still came back revived because of the extra Vitamin D I soaked up.
I've also been to Dallas, where my sister lives, in January. It may not be the warmest destination, but at least they don't have have blizzard conditions, and overall, any warmer weather these days does a body good!
One last note
I should note that many folks have had luck with sunlamps, or so-called "happy lamps" that help with the winter blues or SAD. The one I used a long time ago did not help me. It could be because it was not the right kind for me, as there are several different types out there. It could also be because these other strategies were working, and I did not need a sun lamp.
Whichever ways work for you, I wish you as much warmth and light as possible this winter season!
