Hello, Darlings!
Today we are going to talk about seasonal depression-permission to hibernate. It happens every year no matter how hard I plan for it or try to prevent it, Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). After a wonderful holiday season and great expectations going into the new year, I am hit with it. This year doesn’t help due to the number of gray days. Damp, cold, depressing weather that makes you want to do nothing but hibernate. I truly understand why some animals just stay in their dens until spring.
Dealing With Seasonal Depression-Permission To Hibernate
Dealing With Seasonal Depression – Know The Signs
For me it starts with fatigue, mentally and physically exhausted. I don’t want to do …. anything. I barely have the energy to get a shower each day. Then it progresses into the need to just be alone. People and friends are like white noise, grating on my nerves. I LOVE my family and friends!!!! But I just need to be alone. Next, I lose my sense of focus. I can’t concentrate, have no desire to complete or start anything, even losing my sense of day and time. But the weirdest thing is all I want to do is sleep. The other day I slept for 13 hours. Heck, I haven’t got more than 5 hours of sleep a night since, well… this time last year. The worst is all the negative thoughts and feeling the blues. I am a super positive person, I am the cheerleader, I am the encourager. At times I am just overcome with negative thoughts and feelings and it drags me down like drowning in the ocean.
Fighting SAD
One of the best things I have done is to acknowledge that this is a problem I have this time of year and it will go away. I just don’t need to give in to it, I need to work with it. There are many things I can do to help get through this time period. Talking with others is one of the best things you can do. What you find is that many people are suffering the same as you. Misery loves company is so true in this case. Sharing helpful hints is a great way to find the right solution to help you navigate this very short period of time.
Giving Permission To Hibernate
There is a reason animals hibernate in the winter. The weather is harsh and they need to conserve energy. Like the animals, we need to conserve energy and
What Does Hibernation Look Like
For me, on those cold nasty days, I like to put on my comfy clothes and wrap up in my fuzzy cheetah print blanket. I will spend my day binge-watching Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime/Acorn TV/BritBox. The Great British Baking Show is quickly becoming one of my favorites. If you have not watched The Fabulous Miss Maizel on Amazon Prime you are truly missing out. For those who like murder mysteries, Midsomer Murders has 20 seasons of binge worth watching.
If I am not watching tv, I am curled up with a mug of hot tea and a good book. Having a library worth of re-reads, I love pulling out my books and hunting thru to find something to pass the day away. I just finished the entire series of Anne Of Green Gables, again.
Dealing With Seasonal Depression- Quiet Time With A Good Book
During my hibernation, I fill up on hearty soups and stews. Lots of hot teas and I give myself permission to have something sweet. If not, I will crave it all day until I have it. I try to limit my coffee intake to just the morning.
Dealing With Seasonal Depression- Hot Tea To Keep Your Body Healthy
Some of my favorite hibernation activities include long naps and long hot baths. I love to grab the pups and snuggle up on the couch for a long winter’s nap. It is some of the best sleep I have and truly therapeutic. After a long day of doing nothing, it is a treat for me to have a nice hot bath with scented Epsom salts. I spend time soaking with a nice facial mask on. I like to light the candles and dim the lights and do…. nothing. After my
Dealing With Seasonal Depression- Hot Relaxing Baths To Help You Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Think Of Hibernation As Temporary And Therapeutic
Just like animals, our period of hibernation is temporary and therapeutic. As the days get longs and the sun starts to shine, I want to venture outside to enjoy the sun. When spring comes, and it comes early in the south, I will be ready for all the projects and gardening. Fully energized both physically and mentally. Yes, the weight will come off, yes, the chores and projects will get done. But if I try to force it, the guilt and sadness overwhelm me. By giving myself permission to hibernate, I am giving my body and mind a well-deserved rest. It is truly therapeutic.
Walking is a great way to beat the winter blues. Check out Let’s Walk- Time To Incorporate Walking Into Your Fitness Routine
Such a brave, but helpful post Regan. I’m so sorry you struggle wit SAD. You’ve graciously shared your story and I’m sure it will help others not feel alone!
I have met many people who struggle this time of year. Many people who already have trouble with depression have a truly hard time. My friends have been great in understanding that I need time alone to “rest” but they also will not let me get pulled down. Mine truly is only a short period of time. Today is a good day.
This is great Regan. I suffer from this too. Great advice
Thanks Shannon! Thinking of you and hoping for sunny days. Yesterday I sat in the sun and today I am full of energy. Needed those days of hibernation to let my mind, body, and spirit rest
Regan – I am so glad you wrote about this and have given yourself permission to just “go with it”. I knew OF SAD – just really didn’t know much about it. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Cathy if you only knew…. I struggle so bad. But today is a good day with lots of sunshine (was suppose to snow) and I am full of energy.
Good for you, Regan! It sounds like you know how to take care of yourself. I like the idea of snuggling up in my jammies all day, but exercising also makes me feel better. I’m an avid reader also, and love to curl up with my Kindle and read a good novel. I also loved the Anne of Green Gables series. Enjoyed your post! Have a great day!
Thanks, Christina for stopping by. Today was suppose to be a snow day (epic fail) but with the sun out I have tons of energy today. Giving myself that time to hibernate is doing me good.
I can so empathize with this! And wow, seeing you snuggled with your pup makes me miss mine so much – such extra great companions on cold and dreary days. For me the holidays are so hard. The the first couple weeks of January I rally. Until the cold, grey realities of winter set in. Luckily a few short trips to help break things up. Enjoy your hibernation time!
Thank you for sharing this. I take vitamin D during the winter months and that has helped me. I agree so much that we should listen to our bodies wants and needs more. I think it makes perfect sense to semi hibernate during Winter xx
I would love to hibernate until warmer weather. You’ve shared some gorgeous outfits, I love the pink with leopard – always have. Thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish #linkup today. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Love your fashion Regan, especially your striking cerise pink with leopard – I love these together. You are featured blogger on #chicandstylish this week, do stop by and take a look.
Thanks for sharing and joining the #linkup Jacqui Mummabstylish
Wow, such a relevant post! Thank you so much! I so appreciate this as our winters can be pretty long in Michigan! Up here, sometimes you notice people’s moods get a little more sour come February or March. I think lots of us suffer with it in some degree. Great ideas!