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Posts: 1,071 11/21/09 7:45 P
I definitely have S.A. D. Seasonal affective disorder. I have been using a full spectrum light for over 20 years. And it works for me. That's all I can say. I highly recommend it.
Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.
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KLAD_COCKERS
SparkPoints: (7,385)
Fitness Minutes: (4,070)
Posts: 780 11/21/09 5:34 P
I have to say that, for me, the full spectrum light didn't really seem to work. What has worked the bestfor me is ensuring that I get out in the middle of the day, for at least a 5 minute walk, to actually feel the sunshine, and to continue being active. I have a real tendency to come down with winter blues . . . so have had to try and find ways to make life a bit easier.
I can relate. My husband and I have definitely been going through a slump and noticing it in those around us. I think it will pass because for us it's hardest when it's dark but we don't have snow yet. The snow brightens everything and also means winter sports can start.
Since I think it will pass, I have been giving in to it this past week and a half, with plans to get back to my exercise on Monday. But the other thing that helps in winter is soups. We tried a new recipe for hot and sour soup last night and it almost made the winter weather nice.
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PEDAL-PUSHER
SparkPoints: (12,094)
Fitness Minutes: (11,405)
Posts: 1,615 11/20/09 11:01 A
I ama sun baby, and it can be 10 degrees outm but as long as the sun is shinning, I can be a happy camper.
"Last is just the slowest winner."-C Hr Boyd
"A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug." P Neal
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." E Kübler-Ross
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THEMOTIVATOR1
Posts: 2,995 11/20/09 10:29 A
Winter time can be a time to go visit a friend or relative you have not seen in awhile. read a good book. spend time volunteering. go to an indoor pool, go through old pictures or watch home movies, spend an extra day in the gym, go for walks enjoy the out doors, it helps build up endurance. Sit done a write a letter to some one. Send a letter to your State representatives, they will more likely get read and responded to than sending an e-mail
Making a Positive Difference in the World Begins with YOU....Please step forward. Building Bridges Creates Endless Opportunitiies
SUPERSNAZZ
Posts: 1,100 11/20/09 10:12 A
What helps me each winter: going for walks and being outside! Make sure you have warm boots that will keep your feet dry, a warm coat, mitts, hat, scarf and long johns... also get a great partner-in-crime to join you and walk away.
Another thing that helps: taking a tropical trip in the middle of January.
MISS_TERBONES
Posts: 24 11/20/09 10:03 A
I'm not usually a winter person, either. Too bad I live in MN, where it's cold 7 months out of the year. But this year, I will embrace winter and do more outside activities like sledding, ice skating, and even having a snow ball fight. I probably won't even mind walking 5 minutes to the gym but I'll have to see about that.
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LIUBOCHKA
Posts: 60 11/20/09 10:02 A
My DH has bi-polar disorder (type 2) and has having problems when fall hit with feeling low and not having energy. His doctor considered added another medication, but decided to give the full spectrum light a try. And DH says it's been super helpful. He uses ONLY that light when he's working in his office (and he's a student so he works a lot). It may not work for everyone, but it also may be worth a shot. The one we have is one that I originally got for sewing.
I can testify that the Ott-lite full spectrum bulbs are useful for depression. We've also replaced all the bulbs in our home with daylight CFL bulbs. It is a small step, but makes a big difference combined with exercise, therapy and properly prescribed medications. I have my husband back thanks in part to light therapy.
It's not what I did, but what I do next that sets the course for success.
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ROCHELLERED
Posts: 83 11/20/09 9:11 A
Hard not to be blue when the sun sets at what now, 1:23? The full spectrum bulbs are a poor help. Need the real sunshine. As for extra eating, I can relate. I too want just the comfort foods, and lots of them. I try to focus on other things --such as my quilting. A little hard to make mac and cheese when you are sewing and cutting fabric. But once in a while I do go all out and let the winter blues win and I eat and eat. Then I get back on the wagon and start again. This is a life long struggle, and sometimes we have to lose the battle to win the war.
AMETHYST_REM
Posts: 503 11/20/09 9:04 A
I find two things help - get out in it and enjoy it and full spectrum bulbs all around.
"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan
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SPIRAL242
Posts: 397 11/19/09 10:38 P
I've had the blues,I guess it's because of the time of year. When I get like this I want to eat. Any suggestions?
On World Vegetarian Day, most people aren't willing to trade in their turkey for tofurkey. Luckily, you can still reap the benefits of vegetarianism by trying flexitarianism on for size.
Cheese. Bacon. Tomatoes. Yum! Chef Meg finds a slightly more sophisticated version of the hot pepper poppers found on appetizer menus everywhere. Her version uses mild banana peppers, creamy Gouda cheese, a bit of bacon for a smoky richness, and tomatoes to offer a bit of freshness. She grills them to add another layer of flavor to the dish.
Serve these as an appetizer or unexpected side dish at your next barbecue!
Chef Meg uses panko, or Japanese breadcrumbs in this recipe. You can substitute whatever breadcrumbs you have on hand.
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