Winter blues

I don't do idle very well... that is until it turns to winter!!! I can't be the only one who suffers (self diagnosed lol) from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. I never suffered from this in my home state (California) where, they don't lie, the Sun shines almost every day! I have found that during winter, I'm not very motivated, or creative. I'm tired, I'm not as optimistic and sunshiney as usual (I'm a cheerleader at heart, but loving and kind not snotty LOL).

By nature I am very creative, in the winter it is a struggle for me. I thought I was losing my mind! I lived in California for over two decades and never had a day of depression. I move to the north west and EVERY January I suffer from a mild form of it. I had a British friend point out that SAD might be the cause (thanks Jade).

So I'm writing all of this in hopes that I can help one of my fellow SAD Moms!! We are so hard on ourselves, then you add this seasonal thing, for lack of a better word. It messes with a normally happy woman's moods and it makes it that much harder to be a mom, a wife and a happy woman!!!

So my advise...

• First pick good book!!! Seriously sometimes a little escapism isn't a bad thing!!! I have quite a few good suggestions, not all vampire related LOL!!
• Next drink milk or take Vitamin D!
• If the sun peaks out from behind those clouds RUN to the closest window with direct light or outside and soak it in for at least 10 minutes.
• Exercise (need to take my own advise and I would if my kids would stop the sick merry go round!).
  
• Let the things that can wait, wait. Really, just sit and enjoy reading a book with your kids, watch a silly show (our current faves are Sabrina the teenage witch reruns and American Idol).
  
• Go out and do anything as a family. We go look at model homes, it's free, gets us out, motivated and inspired to move or decorate! A museum, a movie something together!!
• My last and most important tip, be grateful. Write out 50 things you are grateful for. Really it's not hard!! I always have family, friend, home, health etc... but high on my list are hot clean running water, food, heat, a/c, a dependable car etc.... Never underestimate the power of gratitude!!!
  

I hope this didn't come off as self indulgent and long winded. I just want to help and share what I learn. I know I over think at times and when I'm feeling off, it's even worse!! SAD is real! If you know what to look for, you can make it better!!!

Remember, spring is around the corner and you are never alone. We are all going through the good and the bad together (whether or not we admit to it LOL!)

Have a beautiful, creative and inspired day!
Amy