Weather Getting You Down?

I spoke to a friend yesterday who said that the relentless rain and snow were getting to her. I know the feeling, because a couple weeks without sunshine and I feel out of sorts, too. It has a name: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

However, I have had several respites from the weather, some good, some not so good.

First I went to Reno, where you never know if it is day/night/snowing/windy or what time it is! Those casinos/hotels have you in a vacuum for a reason. It was funny, after being in the casino at night I found it hard to get to sleep. I had input overload from the lights, whistles, clanging that was not conducive to a restful night. I wonder how many people get up and go back to the casino if they can't sleep? Since I am a $20 per weekend gambler, the money is never an issue and I have hours of play on the 5 cent poker machines.

Then I was in The Orange County, where it did rain, but the rain was like The Second Coming. All the TV stations had "Storm Watch" logos and the schools all get out early when it rains, too! (Isn't that funny?) More time with the grandkids!

I brought a nasty bug home with me (from the recycled air on the plane, I think) and have been in a cold, sneezing, nose blowing, achy, fevery fog since last Wednesday. I mean really sick, can't get out of bed sick, don't know if it's raining or snowing and don't care sick.

So when my friend Sylvia Plath (nicknamed for her sunny outlook!) asked if I was depressed from the weather, I could honestly say no. I was depressed, but it was from six days of feeling lower than whale sh*t.

I am a big fan of the four seasons here, something I never experienced as a Southern California gal. Down there it was kind of like the Steve Martin movie "LA Story," where he prerecords the weather because it's 70 every day.

I say bring the nasty weather on! We need rain and snow, for God's sake, and it'll be spring before you know it. I, for one, plan to get out in the weather as soon as I feel human again. In fact, I already have a snowshoeing date for next week!

Comments

[denise]

snow = park in soft chair and watch miracle of snow thru large pane window. Surf "on demand" movie list, find really cool movie, watch (naping midway) with two dogs curled up with me.
rain = make fire. mix up bread dough. place dough by fire. Surf "on demand" movie list. See above for rest of plan.
Feel guiltless about being a lazy slug.
Love, D
ra

[Karen Young]

I can't believe you have friends who don't have a sunny outlook. What a drag. I think I'll look into that lightbox.
SP

[Don Pelton]

I know about seasonal affective disorder. I actually enjoyed it when I was a young man. I liked the drama and the turmoil of winter.

But for the last few years, I've taken steps to deal with it. First, I bought a full-spectrum lightbox, and -- when I can't get out in the actual sun -- I'll sit at least 30 minutes each day in front of the lightbox.

Second, I bought a recumbent bike, so often I'll bike in front of the lightbox.

It's like magic. Without the sun for a few days, I'm very aware of the dark mood taking over. With the lightbox plus exercise, I don't have that problem.

I was skeptical until I talked to some of our daughter's in-laws in Fairbanks who swear by the box. So I tried it, and was amazed.