SAD: Habits that help me cope.
Nov 29th, 2007 by katesaltfleet
Enduring the darkest part of the year.
It’s no secret that I struggle with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) at this time of year. So far the only item that I have put on my Christmas list is a Lumie alarm clock, purported to help those of us who have trouble getting out of bed on these dark mornings. However, I do have a few other strategies up my sleeve, which should have you leaping out of bed to greet the day (or at any rate feeling a bit less grumpy!).
Set your alarm for the same time each morning and get up when it goes off.
Just get up, that’s the hardest part done, no more lying there thinking about how much you don’t want to get up and starting the day in a bad mood. By setting the alarm at the same time, your body will adapt to that being your getting up time. If you work a rotating shift pattern, then the best thing I can suggest is that you have a getting up time for each shift time, so that when you’re on earlies, you get up at X time etc. It’s about getting your body into a routine as much as is possible.
Salute the Sun!
That’s if you can find it 
If, like me, you have neither the time or inclination to go out jogging first thing, perfoming the Sun Salute yoga routine two or three times will help stretch out all those muscles ready for the day ahead. Make this a habit and you’ll be as bendy as that little man in no time!
SAD-proof your bathroom time
Before you have your morning shower, treat yourself to a quick body brush. Dry skin brushing helps you shed old layers of skin and leaves a nice healthy glow. It is also reputed to help move lymph around the body more effectively and eliminate toxins. While under that shower, treat yourself to some nice aromatherapy products, citrus works well to boost alertness. Before you step out, switch the hot water off for the final minute. You might not feel like doing this every day, but you really will feel a zing to your system due to the increased blood circulation this stimulates.
Boost your mood with a good breakfast
Porridge is a good all round healthy breakfast for everyone. Try chopping in some dried prunes or apricots to get yourself moving in more ways than one. A good alternative to coffee or tea is to take the juice of half a lemon with boiling water. You could also add root ginger and honey for a tasty and cleansing start to the day. (More breakfast suggestions to follow next week).
Get some daylight
This is one of the most difficult to do if you work indoors and drive to work. However, it is also one of the most important. Make sure you get outdoors for at least twenty minutes during daylight hours, even if it is only to walk around the block or to mail a letter. Lack of daylight is the reason you’re SAD, remember?
The Wheel turns once more
All that being said, the winter solstice is only a few weeks away, and the days will be getting longer again. Seasonality reflects our personality, or is it the other way around? So get those garish lights out and celebrate whatever midwinter festival you call your own!
I found a cure for my SAD… I moved to southern California. It’s sunny all year round here
I know, sorry to be rubbing it in, but I’m still grateful for it nearly 7 years later.
All right for some eh? Meanwhile I’ll dream of an English summer (hopefully with less rain than this year).