Catch the Light!
- Natale Teodoro, MACP, LMFT
- Jan 25, 2021
- 2 min read
I talk to so many people who, like myself, experience a long dip in mood over the long and dark New England winter months. This get's a lot worse in January and into February, probably because the body is still reeling from the short days and sudden holiday withdrawals. By "holiday withdrawals" I mean the vacuum left from the holiday excitement, large fatty meals and plenty of sweets, and extended time off. All of those things are suddenly gone. Assuming that over-celebrating and taking extended time off for the rest of winter may have it's drawbacks, the best antidote is easy - Get outside and catch some light!
Get up early! In a few weeks (March 14) we "spring forward" as daylight saving time begins. That will help. Before that, every minute of extra sunlight counts. So, carpe diem!
Get outside as much as possible. Don't just hide behind your windshield. Feel the wind on your face and hands, let your skin feel the sun or anything out there you can safely reach out and touch, experience the breath of nature in your own lungs. Exposing your skin to sunlight boosts vitamin D, which has been shown to regulate mood and ward off depression. If you can pay attention to this with some gratitude, the benefit to your mood and mindfulness will certainly help!
Walk, if you are able, or find another way to move if possible. Exercise boosts mood and combats depression. Walking may also help your brain to process and integrate information.
S.A.D. light or lightbox: For some, this may not be enough. If that sounds like you, then supplementing your daily dose of sunlight with light therapy can help. Light therapy boxes can offer an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Features such as light intensity, safety, cost and style are important considerations. I like this one (click here).
Today, I went out to do this very thing. Here are some pictures from this afternoon with my dog, Bowtie-Sattva, at Killkenny Rock on the Metacomet Reservoir loop in West Hartford. There are several accessible trails from this local reservoir system, providing ample opportunity for nature communing and battling seasonal affective disorder or seasonal blues. Here are some images from the adventure!
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