Some people really dread winter, and I have been one of those people. (Except for Christmas! I really love Christmas!) Waking up in darkness, ice everywhere, frigid temperatures are not my favourite and dreading them makes me feel tired, isolated, and sad.
After reading a new article about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) I have a new perspective on what winter has to offer and I appreciate new research which supports the idea that our attitude towards winter directly affects our experience of winter.
Now I can focus on how winter lets me bake (which I love), cozy up on the couch with a blanket to watch a movie and do a bit less running around. I am still going to use my SAD light, but I am committing to checking in on my attitude towards winter more often and focus on gratitude for what winter can offer me, because it is coming so I might as well find something good in it. The alternative is not so great.
If you struggle with depression, loneliness, sleep problems or other symptoms attributable to SAD, read this great article from The Guardian for more information:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/19/psychologist-kari-leibowitz-how-to-winter
Citations:
Robson, D. (2024, October 19). “Appreciate winter for what it is, without wishing it were something different”: Psychologist Kari Leibowitz on beating the Seasonal Blues. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/19/psychologist-kari-leibowitz-how-to-winter
Things can get better. Talking helps.
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