I remember when our family first moved north from California to Spokane and being surprised how early the sun set that first Winter. “Wait, it sets before 4 PM here?!” (Spokane, being east, gets darker even earlier than Seattle)
As the weeks went on I started to feel the effects of the darkness and I later found that there’s even a clinical term for it, seasonal affective disorder or SAD. That’s it, I was SAD and drinking more coffee didn’t help (ok, maybe a little) and binge watching more shows definitely didn’t help.
I’m thinking about this because as I write, it’s the afternoon and I’m not sure if the sun put more than one leg out of bed today. If, during this season. you are feeling SAD, or even the normal kind of sad, let me share a few tips that have really helped me deal with what some call the ‘big dark’.
Take Vitamin D supplements - I’ve had multiple MDs tell me that nearly everyone is vitamin D deficient in the PNW during the winter. The reason being is the primary way we get vitamin D is from the sun, and as you already know, it’s on vacation right now. A lack of vitamin D leads to fatigue and a weakened immune system. When I started taking Vitamin D consistently during the winter I noticed the effects of SAD weren’t as great and I wasn’t getting as sick. It works!
Move your body - This is always good but a lot harder to do when it’s cold and wet outside. You and I both know that sitting for hours doesn’t make you feel rested but more tired. Even a brisk 15-minute walk after a meal can boost your mood, your energy, and lift your spirits. So, stay moving this winter. In the PNW there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.
Better lighting - I haven’t tried this one but have friends that bought lights specifically designed for those dealing with SAD who say they greatly helped.
Have something to look forward to - Part of the reason I don’t struggle as much in the early part of the winter is that I have Thanksgiving and Christmas to give me something to look forward to. But oh boy, by late January I’m looking up flights to Hawaii. The constant thing though is that Jess and I have a weekly date that I always look forward to. Even something small like treating yourself to a special coffee drink on Friday can serve as a boost to get you through the dark.
How about you? If you have any other tips for overcoming the ‘big dark’ this Winter leave a comment below.