Around this time of year here in Rochester you start to get the itch--the itch for spring! Honestly I would just be happy with warmer weather, and when I say warmer I'm not talking about 80° I'm talking anything above 25° with a little bit of sunshine!!! Several people tend to suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is a form of depression that is most common in the winter months. While I do not think I have SAD, I have taken quite a haitis from my blogging hobby… but only to fulfill my creative needs. I have been painting everything!!! It started with a rehab of an old dining room cabinet that has always annoyed me, and then carried on to the whole dining room because with cabinet looking so good, I just coulden't stand the drab 4 year old paint. And then I stumbled upon some super awesome baskets that were clearanced out and that inspired a whole new project of rehabilitation of an old piece of furniture that was in my basement for an eternity. What does this have to do with Seasonal Affective Disorder... well I think that these projects are the culmination of my boredom with the dark dismal days of winter and my way of dealing with it has been to make things around me a little brighter. I guess there is an artist in here somewhere, anyway I do know several people who do have SAD and hope I can offer some good ideas to combat it! If you don't feel like repainting your house like me, how about reading a book that is set in a tropical oasis, or even someplace warm? I for one am thoroughly enjoying a Brimax book that Jack and I have been reading about animals on a farm, "The Farmyard Counting Book", the illustrations of this childrens book always make it feel like spring!! It's just the little things ya know! Also I have read several things regarding the benefits of sunlight via artificial UV rays in a tanning bed (which I don't advise because you know my cancer fear) or through photon therapy (just food for thought). Or even better, Rochester has a hidden gem to combat the winter blues - the Lamberton Conservatory at Highland Park. We went there on a field trip recently and wow... the smell, the flowers the warmth… you could taste spring and summer. My latest realization though, has got to be the discovery that February break exists for a reason, because it perfectly coincides with about the time that the itch begins!! So instead of taking a staycation, I think that a trip to a warm and SUNNY climate might just boost your tolerance to a few more weeks (or months of winter). Just a few ideas to help brighten your days until the sun comes back to us here in Upstate NY.
Another thing to look into that is a somewhat less serious cause of winter blues could simply be a deficiency in Vitamin D… which is very common in our area due to our lack of sunshine from September to March.
However, if you are feeling that my previous suggestion just aren't enough there are several signs and symptoms of SAD some of which include decreased activity and enjoyment of things, weight gain, social withdrawal (several symptoms that mimic those of regular depression). The main characterizing factor of SAD is that it occurs in the fall and winter months where regular depression will occur at anytime. Some studies suggest that those who are prone to depression are more likely to experience SAD. You can obtain detailed descriptions of SAD, and even quizzes to test for it by visiting my favorite website and clicking here! But I would suggest a visit to the doctor if you think you do have SAD because it's no joke, and you should be treated!
As for me, I do have a hefty dose of spring fever though, and most recently the sun coming out on a semi-regular basis has got me really wanting this winter to end, but realistically, this is Rochester, and we have until AT LEAST mid-March :/
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