Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing. It does not have to keep you down and there are many healthy ways to prevent and combat SAD.
Exercise: There are numerous yoga classes in local libraries (many have virtual options). Some are free, all are nominal cost. Libraries are a great ongoing resource for books and so much more! Contact your local NW Bergen library for yoga/tai chi schedules. Said local libraries also have tons of yoga programs for children of all ages and teen clubs for older children to decompress and socialize, without cell phones. www.bccls.org
Escape to a movie: AMC has $6 movie Tuesdays and most NJ locations ARE OPEN, most local theaters have matinee showings and prices and are currently 30% off before 6pm. Remove the guilt for sneaking in a movie during the school day. You deserve it!
Clean/Organize: While it may seem like an endless task for many, cleaning for the cleaning lady and always picking up legos- it is doable. Pick one room or pick one category. The latter may be more effective in finally clearing your clutter for good. Engage your children. Children do want to help. Make it fun, offer small rewards. Children age 7+ can do their own laundry with assistance. Make organizing a family project.
During these winter months when feelings of sadness and boredom are often at their peak, telling yourself it is okay to feel every feeling and talk with a professional, even if over the phone. You do not have to be supermom, you DO have to be super accepting of yourself, first. So do your children. They do NOT have to compete with others or be engaged in daily after school sports. A couple of times of week is best.
Get outside as often as possible, find new work. Let short walks and positive talks, guide you through the winter. Write down how you feel on pieces of paper and place them in a energy jar, then have an energy bar. Take time to enjoy the moments of winter when you can actually get more done, because you don't feel the pressure to be running to 14 different activities.
So many people talk about dealing with winter as if it is the enemy. You heard the expression: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!" Therefore, embrace the moment, the season, because seasons change.
Wear RED. Fight the "BLUES" by wearing red. Red creates energy, looks good on all complexions and for those who grew up with the tale that red keeps away negativity, wear a red string bracelet. Mystics and Kabbalists have long known that red is both energizing and grounding. All shades, balanced out with neutral colors, both in your rooms and on your person.
Thanks for reding..I mean reading!
Elisa
**Updated as of December 31st, 2021**
