Cue the SAD Lamp
I have noticed in my adult years that in the winter I can be a bit more quiet, a homebody, and have difficulty getting “up and at ‘em.” After all, when it’s cold, rainy, or darker outside, that makes sense, right? But this can also be attributed to something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that occurs usually during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight.
Some symptoms include feeling sluggish, or fatigued, even when you’ve had adequate sleep. You may experience difficulty staying awake or are oversleeping. You may feel feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or even irritability. You may have difficulty concentrating and trouble focusing on tasks and making decisions. You may find that you are disinterested in activities that are normally appealing and avoiding social situations. You may have a change in your appetite with increased cravings for carbohydrates and gain weight. Some people experience body aches and pains without a clear cause. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all of these symptoms & that symptom severity can vary.
So when I feel any of those feelings, light therapy has been beneficial for me. You can purchase a lamp for light therapy that mimics natural sunlight and is designed to alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. The lamps emit bright light that is significantly brighter than indoor lighting but does not contain harmful UV rays. The exposure to this light is thought to trigger a chemical change in the brain, leading to a shift in mood-regulating chemicals, and a reduction in SAD symptoms. Using a lamp usually involves sitting in front of it for 15-30 minutes every day, right when you wake up…. or in my case, when I’m trying to wake up. Light therapy is most effective when you use it regularly and consistently throughout the season when your symptoms are prevalent.
I found that the best way for me to be consistent is to keep my lamp at my bedside and to turn it on right when I’m starting to wake up. It’s a good way to start waking up to the day- feeling that bright light. Some people like to keep their lamp on their desk or on the kitchen counter and they can turn it on while they’re perusing emails or more likely looking at my Instagram page and sipping their coffee. I try to be very mindful if I feel symptoms beginning and then continue using it as much as my home life allows.
It’s important to have self-awareness & continue self-care in all aspects of your being. Be kind to yourself & control what you can control. And if you identify with any of the symptoms above or can think of somebody in your life who may be affected, I encourage you to consider things you can do to elevate your mood and energy to a healthy, reasonable degree.
Try a lamp, see me about B12 injections, and let’s tackle a skincare routine for increased self-care. It’s truly therapeutic. Chicken soup for your skin!
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