S.A.D.

This is the time of year, when even though all of the outward symbols are screaming out joy and happiness and peace on earth, I start feeling sad. I've realized over the last many years that I must have seasonal affective disorder. Looking out my bedroom window at the grey skies and the trees sans leaves makes me feel . . . blah. That has become a descriptive feeling for me me lately.

I have sought some help over the years and here is a summary of the things that (when I've done them) have kept me from slipping into a spiral of depression during this season.

1. Exercise - which is usually the last thing I want to do this time of year.
2. Be Outside - which is always the last thing I want to do this time of year.
3. Identify things that might be making me feel anxious. - which is any little thing this time of year.

I told a friend that I want to exercise every day between Thanksgiving and New Year. And I have exercised twice in the past week and a half. Blah. Quite a difference between knowing the things that I should do that would promote health and a positive lifestyle and actually doing them.

. . . this year is going to suck if I don't do these things.