Beat the SADness
I think people use the term Seasonal Affective Disorder rather loosely, but as offenses go, it seems rather minor. For example, I’m sure we could all benefit for this advice to beat SAD from Matt Roberts (pictured), a person trainer who writes for the UK’s Times Online:
Make the most of daylight hours
With mornings and evenings getting darker, focus on working out at lunchtime or at any other spare time you have during the day. You don’t always have to sweat it out for 60 minutes; even just 30 minutes at a lower intensity, preferably outdoors, can be fantastic.
Exercise regularly
Aim to be active four times each week, doing at least two workouts at a high intensity, and the other two at a more leisurely pace. A walk in the park for 30-40 minutes, for example, could replace your usual 20-30 minute run. Adjust your expectations and do the best you can.
Work out together
There is plenty of evidence to show that if you do a team sport, exercise in a group (eg, circuit training session) or with a friend, you will stay much more motivated and exercise at a higher level. Knowing that others are relying on you is often just the spur you need to stop slipping into inactivity. It’s also much more fun than slogging it out on the treadmill alone.
Do weight training once a week
High-intensity weight training produces a life-affirming shot of adrenalin, testosterone and serotonin. The immediate impact on your shape also ensures that your self-image stays as high as possible, which keeps the blues at bay.
Try something newLift your spirits by trying something new that you can do indoors when exercising alfresco isn’t an option. You’ll find a wealth of exercise DVDs in the shops or at your local library, enabling you to experiment at home. Invite a friend to join you and make a social occasion of it.
Check out your local health club or sports centre. Many offer workouts such as climbing, martial arts and numerous variations on dance and yoga for those who are not keen on the gym.
For more, go here.
liz | 12:22 PM | Uncategorized
And I am not so sad looking at hunk like that. …..
I totally agree with the hunk thing. And he can write, too!
I have SAD. I’m not sure how much is the light business and how much is an anniversary reaction to massive abuse that happened at this time of year. I do know winter is hell on earth for me.
I have a light box. I hate to use it. It makes me better so it makes no sense not to use it. But I hate it. Last winter I realized it’s because sitting in front of it for an hour a day replicates all too closely some *other* childhood abuse. That’s the trouble with this PTSD stuff…you can end up with lots and lots of triggers.
Anyway, this winter I’m walking and, oddly, writing poetry. I say oddly because I hate poetry and simply cannot believe I feel better when I write it. Apparently I have an inner poet who’s been denied a voice. She likes to write bad poetry.
I walk in the hundreds of acres of woods near my house and have, so far, never had a better winter. I’m talking five or six miles a day, though. This takes time. A couple of hours every morning. I feel as if I’m walking for my life. I sure hope Social Security will understand what a crimp this would be to a working life should they ever decide to dump me.
It feels MUCH better to be doing this outside walking than to relive creepy stuff in front of a light box. We’ll see what happens as the earth tilts on its axis. Hopefully I won’t tilt with it.
If so, I’ll come back and read Mr. Hunk’s suggestions. Or just look at his picture. Either will do. {;>)
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