Can SAD Be Good?

It was an unwelcome surprise to have such a long spell of cold weather in April. My new burst of springtime energy faded away as the number of consecutive cloudy days increased. My blue couch swallowed me as I wrapped myself up in the handmade quilt that I depend on during cold weather. Books fell into piles all around me. My laptop also moved to the couch as I became more and more reclusive. At first, I didn’t mind. I had a great excuse to be a couch potato as I waited for the return of spring.

Unfortunately the cold snap lasted for more than a few days. I sank into a dim depression as I longed for the warm weather and the sun. I wondered if ongoing cloud coverage could make me irritable as I checked the weather forecast daily to see when the sun would return. As I noticed my undeniable longing for the sun, I decided that it was time for me to finally accept that I suffer from SAD, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

For many years, I suspected that I had this trait yet I refused to give it that much thought. I tend to steer clear of labeling myself with anything that ends in disorder. Embracing the idea of having SAD is a bit like embracing a shadow part of my psyche. I felt a sense of freedom after allowing myself to accept that I need light like a fish needs water. Fortunately, I live in the south and our winters are mild and short. However, when the sun goes away for too long, I become depressed, moody, irritable and unmotivated. Totally!

The good news is now that I accept that I have SAD, I am more conscious about how important it is for me to have exposure to lots of light. When I think about how this can look in my life, I got excited and it is easy for me to step into a perspective of seeing SAD as a huge gift in my life.

Here are the ways that I cope with SAD. (This has worked for me but that doesn’t mean that this will work for everyone. Please consult your doctor for your best treatment.)

• Live in a house with lots of windows so natural lighting is prevalent in the home. There was an extended period of time in my life when I sat in a small office without windows for forty hours a week. My salvation was to spend many of my lunch hours sitting outdoors in a nearby park.
• Exercise for at least one hour outdoors whenever possible. This is helpful even on cloudy days. I enjoy taking morning walks as the sun is rising. Starting out the day with a dose of light, exercise and endorphins greatly enhances my mood. Other options include biking, swimming, tennis, running, dancing, baseball, soccer, frisbee, basketball, skating, hiking, rock climbing, snow skiing and so many more.
• Drive a convertible. Now, this is a fun one for sure. Driving around with the top down is one of my favorite ways to get relief from SAD symptoms.
• Boating. This is a lot like driving around in a convertible except you get to add water into the mix too. Pure heaven! (This includes fishing, water skiing, sailing, paddle boats, etc.)
• Outdoor chores like yard work, gardening, washing the car, painting the exterior of the house are all productive ways to experience relief from SAD symptoms. (Also, a feeling of accomplishment is an added bonus!)
• Here is an easy one. Simply spend time outside for a minimum of thirty minutes. Use sun screen. No need to get burned while getting your sun fix. Also, this works on cloudy days too! Make this really easy on yourself by buying yourself a nice lounger!
• Make indoor activities outdoor activities. Eat, read, talk on the phone or bond with your computer outdoors. Get creative with this! What other activities can you do outdoors that you normally do inside the house or office?
• Travel to sunny, warm areas during the winter. If this is not an option for you, consider light therapy. I have not tried light therapy but have read that many report good results with this practice.
• Sit by a fire. Enjoy the flames outdoors at a campfire or indoors in a fireplace. Candles are helpful too. (Check out Zenamoon Candles! They're wonderful!)
• Wear light colored clothes. When I wear black or darker colors, I noticed that I do not feel quite as chipper, energetic or happy. Experiment with your wardrobe by choosing light, colorful clothing and see if it makes a difference in your disposition.
• Good nutrition always enhances well-being. There are also herbs and vitamins that can help. St. John’s Wort is said to be helpful for mild-depression. Turn to a nutritionist if you don’t know where to start.
• Examine your life. What changes do you need to make to bring greater fulfillment and peace into your existence? Take steps toward making those changes. (Self-help books, a therapist, coach or healing circle can help with this one.)
• Educate yourself about SAD. Consider the possibility that there might be a link between sunlight and your mood, energy level and overall feelings of well-being. Medication is available for this disorder. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor and see what options will best suit your needs.

My energy level, mood and sense of well-being are enhanced by the activities that I have listed. While I realize that SAD is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly, (no pun intended!) I also appreciate that this disorder makes it absolutely necessary for me to get out there and soak in all the light that I can! Just look at all of the fun ways you can choose from to cope with SAD. Are there any other ideas that you can add to the list?

Suggested reading to learn more about SAD

Winter Blues, Revised Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder
by Norman E. Rosenthal

Beverly Keaton Smith is the founder of Embrace Your Gifts and Soar! which offers individual coaching, workshops, classes and retreats which support women as they journey toward wholeness.

Copyright 2007: Beverly Keaton Smith

This article may be republished. Please include bio with the article. Thank you! Beverly.