I’ve struggled with Seasonal Affective Disorder for years - from times not knowing why...to times being totally caught off guard that I’m wearing the same sweats...again...and the first half of the next year is crap.
My last few years have been MUCH better from my protocol below - but it’s always there kinda waiting if you take your foot off the gas.
This year you can help someone stay out in front of being 'S.A.D.' and keeping your hormones in balance:
Physical:
-Early morning sunshine! This brings in a whole lot of factors, so it goes first for me, but when you can’t….
-Get a Veralux Happy Light now - 100% recommend to do this.....the goal is to be thriving, so stack the deck.
-Morning & Daytime workouts are good...might want to avoid super early or late sessions if possible [to keep sleep/recovery/hormones balanced]
-Holidays not only make busy days with obligations [a stressor], but it allows people to talk themselves out of doing the good things for yourself...and the self-hate cycle flourishes here.
-Extra sleep AT NIGHT is good. 7 daytime naps are not.
-Eat low/lower carb if you can...helps the sleep which will help you get early am sunshine which will help you workout after, etc, etc].
-Having supplements that can assist to balance hormones/hormonal response is very beneficial. I recommend Rebalance 'Anxiety' system & the new Melatonin Free 'Dream' sleep support system.
Mental:
-Honor your biological clock & circadian rhythms - [and why sleep + early am sun is so important]
-Book at trip, any trip really, now. Having something fun to look forward to is a great motivator...PLUS - No Amount of $ in savings in worth your mental health.
-If you can - go somewhere warm or sunny & be active outdoors [yes, the judges are also going to allow snowboarding trips, but you’ve got to get #firstchair] Emotional:
-In person human contact. Even if it’s just to Netflix & chill. Wait - especially if it’s to Netflix & chill. Texting all day isn’t it.
-Finally - let someone close to you know now that this is a tougher time for you & give them permission to not let your unanswered texts or party appearances slide. It might be frustrating at the time, but you’ll thank them come Spring time.