Does January Have You Down?

Hello, beautiful people! What an annoying statement if you, like 10 million other Americans, tend to be depressed in winter. There is a condition known as SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s nothing to be taken lightly. I have been diagnosed with it myself. This blog is to share my experience, strength and hope for how I overcome it…. or at least get through it. 🙂

My dad called it “the Holiday Blues.” That time of year following days, weeks, even months of instant gratification. We ate, we drank, and we shopped. An escape from life’s responsibilities, if only for a bit. The glorious American way. Then, it was over. Like every year. The days are still short, winter is cold, and that job.. the one that enabled us to celebrate so much before? It’s back.. like, it expects US to go back.. and pay for the fun we had. ugh..

By now, you are mid way through the month, and hopefully, you’re leaning into the familiar routine called “your life.” For those that are still dragging a bit, I want to share what I do to move past this flat, dark, sad.. and definitely unmotivated time of year.

• Write a Gratitude list. I know.. you’ve nothing to be grateful for, right? Nice try. Get out pen and paper (no laptop) and write a list of 15 things you appreciate in your life. There is ONE rule: you must be honest. If you’re not grateful for your annoying spouse, than don’t say, “my wife” or “husband.” Start with something you really are grateful for. Just do it.
• Be of Service. I get it. The last thing I want to do when I’m busy feeling sorry for myself is to help someone else. Yet this is the #1 best way for me to get freedom from my depression. It takes the focus off of my international issues that have me miserable AND puts it on supporting someone else. Like going to the gym, every cell in body will push against this, but once I’m doing it, it’s not so bad.
• Fake it. Thoughts are things. There are more quotes from modern blogs to ancient texts with the same message. What we believe, we become. So it actually helps to “pretend” you’re better than you are. Because you are.. better than you think you are.
• Be nice to yourself. When we are feeling the pressures of life, we tend to be hard on ourselves. It doesn’t help. Scrutinizing your every thought and action only exacerbates the misery you’re trying to escape. Put the bat down, and give yourself some space to work your way back into life.

Love Note: Service doesn’t have to be a commitment to the local food bank.
This is NOT another New Year’s resolution. You are doing acts of kindness. It can be as simple as offering your partner, or co worker a glass of water.

Of course you can always pick up the New Year’s resolution we talked about not too long ago. Pull out the writing you did, or maybe just do the exercise, and review it. You may be surprised how it can lift your mood!

And lastly, remember you’re not alone! Email me for emotional support. 🙂