This time of year I often feel “stuck.”
My creative juices don’t flow smoothly….
I lack my usual robust motivation to get stuff done…
My patience for “normal” or “boring” tasks (like making dinner…again!) is nil….
I miss the sun and the impending busyness of holidays makes my introverted self crave hibernation and sluggish behaviors…
Here are some of the strategies and structures I’ve put in place to help keep my head above water when I’m feeling stuck.
Step 1: I force myself to move. Even if it’s a few jumping jacks in between clients, a 5 minute walk, or parking farther than I need to from the entrance of a store (this is a hard one for me I LOVE finding “Rock Star Parking”…I’m VERY good at it haha!). It can be very hard when you’re feeling sad, sore and stuck to find the momentum to get moving but once you start I think you’ll find things come easier.
Check out this short and epic “Yoga for when you’re stuck” video. I dare you to do it and not feel differently afterwards.
Step 2: I make plans with people that won’t let me cancel.
The hardest part about being an introvert and someone that struggles with seasonal affective disorder is forcing myself to get out!
I had to reschedule my clients today because I had NO voice (thanks for nothing #laryngitis) but it wasn’t a day to wallow because I had made plans (and you don’t need to be able to talk to go to the movies). The key is I make the choice to get engaged before it becomes too hard… I volunteer for church events ahead of time, make plans for Christmas parties or friend gatherings and create opportunities for memory making with my family. I HATE being “that person” who cancels on a date so when the magic moment arrives and I don’t feel at all like being around people I HAVE to…and you know what?!? I’m almost never sad that I made the emotional effort to get about.
If you’re feeling stuck, sluggy, bummed or bored make a plan to “get out.”
Step 3: Fake it till you make it. I use alternative light (aka happy lights) to help motivate me and trick my body into believe the sun isn’t gone!
Research from Harvard Health Publishing: Seasonal affective disorder: bring on the light
Here are my affiliate links to the big and little lights that I typically recommend:
https://amzn.to/2QRbdFP – medium
https://amzn.to/2EdhkNM – small
I also use vitamin D (drops, bound to a fat source) to support my energy, metabolism and hormones during this season. Dosing on D is unique to the individual and has a tolerable upper limit meaning the unchecked usage of this supplement can be toxic so check in before you decide to go gangbusters on it. You can check out online dispensary / store if you want to see what brands I typically recommend.
Research from the National Library of Medicine: Vitamin D: The “sunshine” vitamin
Step 4: Eat ALL the colors and try new things!! I often get in a grocery store rut and only buy “the usuals” for months.
Apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers …blah blah blah. 😒
This time of year I make an extra effort to buy foods that take my cooking habits and taste buds off the beaten path. It not only helps force some creativity in the kitchen but research has shown that increasing phytonutrient intake reduces oxidative stress which wards off depressive symptoms.
Research from the National Library of Medicine: Novel Therapeutic Targets in Depression and Anxiety: Antioxidants as a Candidate Treatment
You may actually FEEL happier that you did, not only on a physiological but also a biochemical level!
#pomello #sweetpotato #brusselsprouts #pomegranate #lemon #lime#fingerlingbananas #spaghettisquash #pears #beets #jalapenos#mandarineoranges
What fruit are you gonna grab instead of another sugar cookie?
