Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Happy New Year 2020!  The holidays are over, there is more darkness than daylight, and the weather is cold (or at least it typically is during this time of the year!).  Do you find that you experience a sense of dread at the end of Summer with the thought of what feels like longggggggg Fall and Winter months?  Have you felt a change in your mood as the seasons change? Do you find that your energy is decreased and that you feel moodier from the end of Summer through Spring?  If so, you are not alone, and may be like many who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Many experience increased sadness after the holidays are over and during the first few months of the year.  In fact, for many, this increased in sadness and decreased energy begins at the end of the Summer, yet we perk up some around the holidays.  People may experience SAD differently.  Quite ironic how the acronym is SAD when many who experience it express that they feel a sense of sadness and lack of energy. 

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What Positive Life Changes Will You Make This Year?

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Rather than throwing too much stock in a resolution, I’d suggest that you think about positive life changes you can make. And, set yourself up for success. Take your goals or lifestyle changes and break them down into smaller goals that are measurable. Let’s walk through that a little together….. if your goal is to stop smoking, don’t just say I’m going to stop smoking. First, honestly evaluate how many cigarettes a day you smoke now and then try to reduce your daily amount by let’s say 2 for the next week. And then by another 2 the week after that. Plan do reduce each week by 2 until you are smoke free. Make sure you notice when you tend to smoke or why and be ready with other alternatives. For example if you tend to smoke on a break from work, try drinking a glassful off water instead or call your significant other. Or if you like having something in your mouth, then try to have sugar free lifesavers on hand. 

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Loss During The Holidays

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The temperatures are starting to cool, the leaves are changing colors, and everything seems to be pumpkin spice and apple. Fall is finally here! If you are like me, then many of you are loving this and have been waiting for this time of the year.   The stores have displays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas items and decoration.   Many find this very exciting…. it means major holidays are rapidly approaching bringing great traditions and festivities.  However, many of us feel increased anxiety and sadness as the holidays approach. We are bombarded by feeling stress and pressure to put on a happy face to express excitement and joyfulness about the rapidly approaching holidays.  Many of us likely looked forward to and enjoyed the holidays in the past. Yet, if you have lost a loved one, you may be struggling to look forward to the holidays as you once did.  Whether due to estranged relationships, our loved ones serving in the military away from home, incarceration, or death, the loss is felt. 

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What Is Burnout, And How Do I Deal With It?

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Crying, exhaustion, increased anxiety, anger, emotionally and physically shutting down….does this sound familiar?  If so, you are like many of us and are possibly experiencing burnout.  Most of us have heard of burnout yet many of us believe that we will know when we are starting to burnout or that we can prevent it before it becomes too severe.  Unfortunately, this is not always true and can lead to many problems in our relationships, jobs, and emotional and physical health.  Furthermore, burnout is not solely related to jobs but also relationships and life in general.  Merriam Webster’s definition of burnout includes “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration”.  I like how Michael Gungor explains his understanding as “Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.” 

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