The holidays have gone, and they took with them the twinkly lights, cheerful dispositions, and happy hearts that they once inspired. Since our return from holiday travels, I’ve had trouble jumping back into the routine (and the two icy snow days that extended the break didn’t help one little bit). I’ve been trying to figure out what is going on with me. Everything has 
felt like an effort, and even something as straightforward as doing the dishes or putting away laundry feels like a monumental, and possibly impossible, task. I’m not sick, and it’s not the fibromyalgia pain that I deal with on a daily basis. It’s not depression, because I know what that feels like; it’s more like a general malaise or looking at life through a gray-tinted filter. I think what I’m dealing with is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I’m not a doctor, so I don’t know for sure that SAD is my problem. What I know is that it can’t go on like this. My family depends on me, and right now I don’t feel very dependable. That being said, here are some things not to do to deal with these cold, gray days.
1. Don’t isolate yourself.
When you’re feeling down, it can be tempting to withdraw. Don’t do it. Reach out, make plans, and stay social. I’m not just talking about going to and from work. You should also be sure to create opportunities for personal social interaction.
2. Don’t forget to use your UVA/UVB light.
Right now in Portland we’re getting about two hours of sunlight a day, and that’s when it’s not raining. I’m exaggerating, but even if you are trying to go outside to get a few rays, you are probably not getting enough sunlight to trigger the happy hormones that we all need in order for our bodies to function properly. Using a light can really help regulate your Circadian rhythms, which get triggered into sleep mode by the amount of darkness each day.
3. Don’t let your vitamin D intake slip.
If you trust the news, apparently just about everyone, everywhere is deficient in vitamin D, but those of us living in the Pacific Northwest need to be extra-vigilant about getting this essential vitamin. I’m going to start doctoring my morning coffee with the stuff.
4. Don’t neglect your self-care.
Take a warm bath, drink a cup of tea, or watch a favorite TV show to give yourself a chance to unwind. Just don’t allow one show to turn into a Netflix binge every night; that’s not 
good for anyone.
5. Don’t forget to have some quiet time each day.
It’s not just moms who need quiet time. Kids benefit from it as well. If your child can’t sit in quiet meditation just yet, try spending some time coloring together. If cartoon characters aren’t your thing, find an adult coloring book or print some pages online. It’s surprisingly soothing to turn a black and white page into a colorful work of art.
When we were considering a move to Portland, my husband’s colleague, who had gone to grad school here, described her experience of collapsing into a puddle of tears on a street corner, sure that she would never make it through her first Portland winter. I laughed then, but now I know what she means. Last winter, with its dry, clear days and consistently warm temperatures, was a flawed primer on what winter here can be. Now that I know what to expect, I’m going to have to be proactive about remembering what I love about Portland even when it’s showing me its ugly side.
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