Are you feeling S.A.D?

 

As I sit here writing this, the fog grows thicker outside my window, enveloping me a shrowd of quiet, white, cold.  For many, this can be depressing.  Our days are shorter and the temperatures are colder.  this alone can zap our energy and will to head outside to workout.  Add to that, the holidays have come and gone along with the merriment of the season.  So now what?  Many of us, myself included can and often to find ourselves dealing with what has become known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Now I  personally LOVE the shorter days, cooler weather, and even the peace and quiet that the thick fog brings.  For me, it represents a time to relax and renew the spirit.  The holidays hold a bit more stress for me, but it is still manageable.  I know that when I continue to workout, I can all but avoid S.A.D.  But not this year…

While I wouldn’t go so far as to say I  have S.A.D, my motivation to workout has been quite low.  It seems I can always find an excuse to skip it.  But besides frequently feeling meh about your once favorite activity, symptoms of SAD can produce a host of other more serious conditions.  These include but are not limited to a depressed immune system, tiredness, sleeping issues, weight gain (it’s not all from holiday binging), anger and frustration with loved ones and co-workers, and difficulty focusing on even the simplest of tasks.  Even if the symptoms are mild, why suffer needlessly or “push through?” There are solutions.

Many people, including myself, use light therapy.  I bought a new bedroom light that turns on at 5 am and slowly brightens to mimic the rising sun so that I can get up early and study the Word of God and meditate before my day really begins.  This has help tons for me.  Even though I go downstairs and only use the light of the fireplace to see, the light helps to get me awake.  I highly recommend this to anyone who HAS to get up early for work.

 

There are also vitamin D supplements.  If like me, you live in the Pacific Northwest, it is almost mandatory to take these.  Known as the sunshine vitamin,  it is produced by the body in response to being in the sunlight (something that is in short supply here). It also occurs naturally in a few foods — including some fish, fish liver oils, and egg yolks — and in fortified dairy and grain products.  It is essential for strong bones because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Medical research is showing that vitamin D helps in protecting against a host of other health problems as well.

There are other solutions to consider as well.  Aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular and can have remarkable antidepressant and therapeutic effects. I love using essential oils.  I use them for myself, my husband and my children for a host of different afflictions.

You see, aroma deeply affects our brain’s ability to work right. They can energize us or take us to a more quiet, restful place. This is why I use them in my diffuser during meditation.  It helps me to focus and be calm and relaxed.  Much has been written on this topic.  Just check out your local library for books on the subject.  It is not surprising that the aroma of essential oils can help lift us up when we are feeling down. It can help our bodies regain the balance that we need, physically, mentally, and spiritually as well.

 

Here is a recipe that my daughter made to help motivate me to get back to working out.

This is a woodsy blend which I LOVE.  I love the outdoors, so this is right up my alley.  It is very helpful for me to get motivated to workout.  It gives me an extra energizing boost, especially when I need help to get the gym but would rather head to my bed.  The essential oils found in this blend are stimulating and rejuvenating. They help me to focus and provide a much-needed energy boost so I can perform at my best.

Ingredients:

• 8 drops of Norway Pine Oil
• 4 drops of Cedarwood Oil
• 2 drops of Peppermint Oil
• 6 drops of Lime Oil
• 1 oz. of Jojoba Oil or your favorite carrier oil

Directions:

1. Add 1 oz. of jojoba oil (or your favorite) to an empty 1 oz.  bottle
2.  Drop the essential oils into the oil.
3. Cap the bottle and roll gently to blend the oils.
4. Apply to the back of your neck, the insides of your wrists, and on your temples. Keep beside your bed and take deep breaths in the morning when you don’t feel like getting out of bed.
5. Apply throughout the day for a rejuvenating energy boost especially right before you workout.

I would like to thank AROMATICS INTERNATIONAL for this awesome recipe.  If you would like more information about essential oils and how to use them to be your best, leave a comment below.  I love to help people discover new ways to be healthy.