We are in the midst of a harsher than normal Minnesota winter. I have not suffered from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) over the years, but have numerous friends and relatives who have (regardless where they lived).
Today's blog is directed primarily to seniors who spend a lot of time indoors in the winter. This winter is especially risky for SAD, because of the snow and cold and because of the Flu epidemic.
Just a few tips to avoid symptoms.
1- Get dressed in the morning even if you are not going out at all. It is depressing to sit in loose fitting pjs or nightgown all day long. Get dressed and get on with your day. You have many things you can do at home. Regular clothes are more cheerful than your old pjs.
2- Avoid wearing drab worn out clothes that you would use to clean out the garage or paint. Looking at yourself in drab clothes (even a glance at the mirror) can make you depressed. Most of us can afford to wear cheerful clothes. This is not the time to wear a grey sweatshirt that you inherited from a family member and which you can not bear. Wear bright or pastel colors. Avoid grey and brown which are drab and depressing. Yesterday I wore I black shirt with little beads and with a yellow tee under it. Very cheerful.
Today I am wearing a white sweater, decorated in blue. Cheerful.
3- Cook a special meal. Bake a special treat. Tackle a cheerful project like organizing your favorite photos. Read a good book. All of these will cheer you up.
4- Pray for spring. Thank the Lord that you have a warm house and warm clothes in the grey winter.
5- Keep the house bright. Open the blinds. Turn on lights. If needed, there are special lights/light bulbs to counter sad, but they should not be necessary if you keep the house bright.
Today is very cold. We had snow overnight. But, the sun is shining and it looks very bright out, even though the streets and driveways are treacherous.
Look for signs of optimism -- the sun, your family, your friends, and dispel the signs of gloominess in your life.
