Outsmarting S.A.D., Indoor herbs and crazy stuff goin' on!

Hi, everyone!

I just read on the illegal immigrant mom who lost her child, and, boy, I wish people would be kinder to each other!!! I received an awesome tweet the other day from Gretchin Rubin (creator of the Happiness Project). She tweeted "I have to remember if I cannot be loving, I can be kind. If I cannot be kind, I can at least be polite." I have thought of that often these past couple of weeks!

OK. I had been hearing a lot about S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This disorder happens mostly in the winter months when sunshine is scarce and outdoor activity is usually a lot less. Its symptoms are sad, anxious feelings, pessimism, feelings of helplessness, irritability, apathy, fatigue, sleep problems and possibly thoughts of death. S.A.D. has gotten a lot of press in the past few years. Many people think it's a bunch of nonsense, and others believe in it completely. I know someone who lives in Florida that says living in Connecticut for a few years just about killed him. I know a person living in New York (upstate) who wouldn't live anywhere else. And he is one of the most positive people I know — year round! 

Regardless, I did some research and found a few things you can do to try to ward this off, possibly prevent it and/or just get through it better.

1. Light therapy. This involves purchasing a light box and "shining" light on your face for a specified amount of time. I have never used one of these. However, if you cannot get outside for fresh air and possibly some sunlight, this would seem logical.
2. Which leads me to...EXERCISE!! I know. I know!!!! Go outside during a Chicago winter?????? OMG!!!! But try. Please. The Master Gardener and I took Sunshine Moses for a walk in a forest preserve today and it was only 27 degrees. The fresh air was fantastic and I know all three of use felt great (slightly tired!) afterward.
3. Make your environment brighter. Try to let the light shine in. Replace some of the darker shades, curtains with a brighter, lighter pattern. I use my summer "pretty" cups and dishes after Christmas. Kind of anticipating spring around the corner.
4. Many mind/body techniques are also useful. Along with exercising, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, guided imagery and massage therapy help. While I was at the Lemont Street Cafe I saw this awesome looking shop that actually does foot massages!!!!! I'm going to try that out soon. I'll let you know how they did!
5. There are several natural/holistic products out there as well. St. John's Wort (which I DO take every day), melatonin (seasonal changes alter the levels of melatonin in your system. Taking this can help regulate them better), Omega-3 fatty acids (you can get these in certain fish and grains. Otherwise, taking 1000-1200mg/day is the recommended dosage in pill form).

The bottom line with S.A.D. is to take extra care with yourself. Get enough rest, keep positive influences close (that means people, places and things!) and be consistent on your health needs. You need to take care of yourself. Period.

All right, I have planted my indoor herbs and every one of the containers with the exception of one has something coming up in it!! WOO HOO!!!!!! I am putting them into bigger containers this weekend! Cross my fingers they continue to grow well.

Crazy stuff happening in my household. My cats are acting very strange. Nightingale is finding the most creative places to hang out!! Delilah is nuts. She paces and meows and paces and meows... Then at night she HAS to sleep on either the Master Gardener and on top of my legs!!!! And Sunshine? Shedding, shedding, shedding and generally can be found lounging on the loveseat!! Crazy pets I have!!!!!

Well, that's it for this time. Thanks for reading. As always eat healthy, be happy, make good choices, and choose to be kind!!!!!