I don't know what is up with me this week. I feel so lazy it is embarrassing. Go to work? I don't wanna. Sew? I don't wanna. Read a book? Maybe, if I can lie down and prop it up on a pillow. And maybe have someone turn the pages for me.
Maybe I have Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Symptoms:
- Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration
- Carbohydrate cravings
- Decreased interest in work or other activities
- Depression that starts in fall or winter
- Increased appetite with weight gain
- Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness
- Lack of energy
- Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
- Social withdrawal
OMG. I think I have this. I have had a craving for naps, ice cream, carbs, and a decreased interest in socializing, working or doing anything else that might be useful.
The cure? Sunshine.
Which there isn't any of in the forecast. And I live in California. How much worse this must be for people who live in wintery climates where outdoor living won't be happening for another two or three months. How do you cope?
I am being sort of facetious, but seriously, how do you all get through your cold winters? What perks you up? What motivates you to get going and accomplish something? Let us know. Your suggestions could really help!
66 responses to “Could I Be Any Lazier?”
You need to go shopping:) You live in southern California and I know for a fact there are a lot of great shops.
You need to go shopping:) You live in southern California and I know for a fact there are a lot of great shops.
This was my post a few weeks ago, seriously! I live in Portland where it is overcast most of the winter, and it really got to me. I am now taking a Vitamin C and Vitamin D pill every other morning, it has worked wonders, I kid you not! Try it out 🙂
This was my post a few weeks ago, seriously! I live in Portland where it is overcast most of the winter, and it really got to me. I am now taking a Vitamin C and Vitamin D pill every other morning, it has worked wonders, I kid you not! Try it out 🙂
Living in Washington state, I know all about gray, overcast winters. After thinking that the symptoms you describe were just a “normal” winter occurrence, I brought it up with my doctor. I’m now taking lots of Vit D, and I got a SAD light. It has made all the different in the world. I use it first thing each morning while I go through my emails and read my fav blogs…like right now. I highly recommend it. I have more energy, a happier disposition, and am sleeping better.
Living in Washington state, I know all about gray, overcast winters. After thinking that the symptoms you describe were just a “normal” winter occurrence, I brought it up with my doctor. I’m now taking lots of Vit D, and I got a SAD light. It has made all the different in the world. I use it first thing each morning while I go through my emails and read my fav blogs…like right now. I highly recommend it. I have more energy, a happier disposition, and am sleeping better.
Wow! You forgot one sympton: “Act just like Jean”! Seriously, this is me every winter. I can’t wait to read the answers you get.
Wow! You forgot one sympton: “Act just like Jean”! Seriously, this is me every winter. I can’t wait to read the answers you get.
I just don’t think I could live in a dark dreary climate. Even in Florida it has been such a cold dreary overcast winter this year. I am SO ready for sunshiny days. LOTS of them.
I just don’t think I could live in a dark dreary climate. Even in Florida it has been such a cold dreary overcast winter this year. I am SO ready for sunshiny days. LOTS of them.
I took action on my SAD and moved to Texas. For the first two years I was afflicted with SAD for just a few weeks vs months (I lived in New England for over 15 years) but last year my daughter graduated from RIT (in Rochester , NY) and came home bringing all the dreary weather with her. Texas has seen the worst winter in decades. Today the sun is shiny pretty strong and reminding me that it could be worse and I could still be in NE where they won’t see this sunshine for another couple of months. Hang in there! It’s almost over.
I took action on my SAD and moved to Texas. For the first two years I was afflicted with SAD for just a few weeks vs months (I lived in New England for over 15 years) but last year my daughter graduated from RIT (in Rochester , NY) and came home bringing all the dreary weather with her. Texas has seen the worst winter in decades. Today the sun is shiny pretty strong and reminding me that it could be worse and I could still be in NE where they won’t see this sunshine for another couple of months. Hang in there! It’s almost over.
I feel your pain! I’ve been like that since right after the new year. I do think it’s the cold weather we’re having in my area (TN), and we’re just not used to it. I usually love winter, because it’s such a relief from our hot summers, but I am so craving some warm days right now. We had one Sunday, but now it’s freezing again. Oh well, maybe a nice long wall in the park will do wonders.
Hope you get out of this funk.
I feel your pain! I’ve been like that since right after the new year. I do think it’s the cold weather we’re having in my area (TN), and we’re just not used to it. I usually love winter, because it’s such a relief from our hot summers, but I am so craving some warm days right now. We had one Sunday, but now it’s freezing again. Oh well, maybe a nice long wall in the park will do wonders.
Hope you get out of this funk.
I tried the light box but it didn’t do it for me. I also do the Vitamin D but mainly for bone health. I’m in dreary Michigan and can’t wait for some springtime weather and our beautiful summers! In the meantime, I depend on reading other’s blogs to get motivated and keep sewing – thanks for being one I can depend on.
I tried the light box but it didn’t do it for me. I also do the Vitamin D but mainly for bone health. I’m in dreary Michigan and can’t wait for some springtime weather and our beautiful summers! In the meantime, I depend on reading other’s blogs to get motivated and keep sewing – thanks for being one I can depend on.
Try going tanning…I know it’s unhealthy in large doses, but 10-20 minutes a week did WONDERS for me when I first moved to New England. Now it doesn’t bother me so much.
This weekend I planted a little herb garden inside as a sort of “spring is coming…someday!” reminder to myself too.
Try going tanning…I know it’s unhealthy in large doses, but 10-20 minutes a week did WONDERS for me when I first moved to New England. Now it doesn’t bother me so much.
This weekend I planted a little herb garden inside as a sort of “spring is coming…someday!” reminder to myself too.
I so have that too! I live in Labrador and well it’s nice here so it isn’t so bad… but when I lived on the Newfoundland island… I was lethargic all the time… it’s because it’s so foggy/snowy/rainy/ etc and I never saw the sun!
The cure is def Vitamin D! and C won’t hurt either… also if you’re not adverse 20-30mins a week in a solarium/tanning bed will help your body do this naturally… but wear sunscreen instead of tanning lotion! That way you just make the vitamins and not get the cancer!
I so have that too! I live in Labrador and well it’s nice here so it isn’t so bad… but when I lived on the Newfoundland island… I was lethargic all the time… it’s because it’s so foggy/snowy/rainy/ etc and I never saw the sun!
The cure is def Vitamin D! and C won’t hurt either… also if you’re not adverse 20-30mins a week in a solarium/tanning bed will help your body do this naturally… but wear sunscreen instead of tanning lotion! That way you just make the vitamins and not get the cancer!
I have never been affected by the cold, cloudy days of Winter before, but this year has been terrible. I am going to stop and get some Vitamin D and C on the way home from work today!
I have never been affected by the cold, cloudy days of Winter before, but this year has been terrible. I am going to stop and get some Vitamin D and C on the way home from work today!
Having lived in either Massachusetts, Colorado or New Hampshire my whole life, the only way to cope with winter is to go with it. It’s cold? So what-go out and snow shoe or ice skate. It’s going to snow all week? So what-there will be snow days and you can sew all day instead of work. Tons of snow on your driveway? Go out and enjoy the fresh air and shovel. Seriously, if we New Englanders didn’t just do something in the winter we’d go crazy. How do you think these Olympians got to where they are-they’re mother said every winter day, “Go out and play”!! I juts find that getting out of the house helps.
Having lived in either Massachusetts, Colorado or New Hampshire my whole life, the only way to cope with winter is to go with it. It’s cold? So what-go out and snow shoe or ice skate. It’s going to snow all week? So what-there will be snow days and you can sew all day instead of work. Tons of snow on your driveway? Go out and enjoy the fresh air and shovel. Seriously, if we New Englanders didn’t just do something in the winter we’d go crazy. How do you think these Olympians got to where they are-they’re mother said every winter day, “Go out and play”!! I juts find that getting out of the house helps.
Nancy hit the nail on the head….you need some serious retail therapy. Go shopping! A lot of people here have SAD, but I don’t think it bothers me much. They say working out helps with it, but given the choice between that and shopping, I’d choose the shopping. Being in a funk is no fun. Especially when you have all those wonderful quilt projects to work on. Grab some scharffen berger and hit the shoe department at Nordy’s. Then celebrate by heading to the quilt shop next. If that doesn’t help get your groove back, I got nothing. 🙂
PS. Butters sleeps exactly like that, spread out on the back of the couch. Too cute!
Nancy hit the nail on the head….you need some serious retail therapy. Go shopping! A lot of people here have SAD, but I don’t think it bothers me much. They say working out helps with it, but given the choice between that and shopping, I’d choose the shopping. Being in a funk is no fun. Especially when you have all those wonderful quilt projects to work on. Grab some scharffen berger and hit the shoe department at Nordy’s. Then celebrate by heading to the quilt shop next. If that doesn’t help get your groove back, I got nothing. 🙂
PS. Butters sleeps exactly like that, spread out on the back of the couch. Too cute!
Seriously, I am solar powered. I live in snow country and it is hard to get going when there are alot of gray days. Today the sun is shining and I’m still playing UNO on line and reading quilt blogs, so what’s my problem. lol Shopping sounds wonderful!
Seriously, I am solar powered. I live in snow country and it is hard to get going when there are alot of gray days. Today the sun is shining and I’m still playing UNO on line and reading quilt blogs, so what’s my problem. lol Shopping sounds wonderful!
Come down to Southern California, I think spring is here early this year, and we have sun!
Come down to Southern California, I think spring is here early this year, and we have sun!
I hate to tell ya but you just described many symptoms I’ve felt and heard from my own friends here. The winter blues is what I think! We are all ready for some good sunshine…the warm kind! I just woke from an hour power nap and read this…just know you are not alone and if you find that magic cure post it for me too!
I hate to tell ya but you just described many symptoms I’ve felt and heard from my own friends here. The winter blues is what I think! We are all ready for some good sunshine…the warm kind! I just woke from an hour power nap and read this…just know you are not alone and if you find that magic cure post it for me too!
Well, I can certainly identify with you, here in cold, raw CT. We haven’t seen much sun in recent weeks, and really, it’s taking its toll–I have every symptom on the list!
I take a half-and-half approach to how I deal with it. Half of the time, I give in to it. When I get home from work and just need to crawl back into bed for an hour, I do it. When nothing but a grilled cheese will do the trick, I eat it (too cold for ice cream!!). But I try for a little light and color therapy to take the edge off–I’ve put two new lamps in my home office/sewing room and used outdoor-quality light bulbs in them. And even if I can’t get motivated to DO much of anything creative, I’ll flip through a charm pack or a pile of bright fabrics to at least get a little extra dose of cheer.
Hang in there–spring is coming!
Well, I can certainly identify with you, here in cold, raw CT. We haven’t seen much sun in recent weeks, and really, it’s taking its toll–I have every symptom on the list!
I take a half-and-half approach to how I deal with it. Half of the time, I give in to it. When I get home from work and just need to crawl back into bed for an hour, I do it. When nothing but a grilled cheese will do the trick, I eat it (too cold for ice cream!!). But I try for a little light and color therapy to take the edge off–I’ve put two new lamps in my home office/sewing room and used outdoor-quality light bulbs in them. And even if I can’t get motivated to DO much of anything creative, I’ll flip through a charm pack or a pile of bright fabrics to at least get a little extra dose of cheer.
Hang in there–spring is coming!
UV light and Vitamin D…seriously that is the treatment for SAD.
I also go for occasionally having cut flowers in bright colours.
Trying to enjoy the snow helps but really no sun is no sun.
UV light and Vitamin D…seriously that is the treatment for SAD.
I also go for occasionally having cut flowers in bright colours.
Trying to enjoy the snow helps but really no sun is no sun.
Oh my gosh…I have all those symptoms, we have long dark rainy winters and it gets pretty bad. The only answer is sunshine, most people will take vacations in the winter to Hawaii or Mexico. I also take lots of Vitamin D.
Oh my gosh…I have all those symptoms, we have long dark rainy winters and it gets pretty bad. The only answer is sunshine, most people will take vacations in the winter to Hawaii or Mexico. I also take lots of Vitamin D.
It’s really hard at this time of the year. I’m a bit further North of you and even less sunshine I think. About 3 days of clouds and I am ready for the funny farm – no kidding. I do think my taking 1000 units of Vit. D has helped and sometimes just a treat at Starbucks makes me a little happier but where the heck is the sun around here! Take care.
Mary
It’s really hard at this time of the year. I’m a bit further North of you and even less sunshine I think. About 3 days of clouds and I am ready for the funny farm – no kidding. I do think my taking 1000 units of Vit. D has helped and sometimes just a treat at Starbucks makes me a little happier but where the heck is the sun around here! Take care.
Mary
Shopping!!! Specifically fabric shopping! 🙂
I believe you can buy special lamps that give off light that will help with SAD. I have heard of them used in Scandinavian countries.
Shopping!!! Specifically fabric shopping! 🙂
I believe you can buy special lamps that give off light that will help with SAD. I have heard of them used in Scandinavian countries.
You scared me for a minute, I though you went to the darkside and bought a cat….not that there’s anything wrong with cats…..
I usually solve my SAD with a trip to California!
You scared me for a minute, I though you went to the darkside and bought a cat….not that there’s anything wrong with cats…..
I usually solve my SAD with a trip to California!
OMG…it’s catching I have SAD also…who took my energy…I want it back…
OMG…it’s catching I have SAD also…who took my energy…I want it back…
Go to sunny California – no – Florida – no – Mexico – for a month!
Go to sunny California – no – Florida – no – Mexico – for a month!
Do something totally silly! Do you have a “Pump it Up” near you? http://www.pumpitupparty.com/ Have a pump it up party! Ha! It burns a LOT of calories and it is SO fun to act like a kid again. 🙂
Do something totally silly! Do you have a “Pump it Up” near you? http://www.pumpitupparty.com/ Have a pump it up party! Ha! It burns a LOT of calories and it is SO fun to act like a kid again. 🙂
I thought I was on to something when I read your list of symptoms, but then I realized that I have some of the same symptoms during the summer! 🙂 Lots of great suggestions here — I’ll be picking up Vitamin D today!
I thought I was on to something when I read your list of symptoms, but then I realized that I have some of the same symptoms during the summer! 🙂 Lots of great suggestions here — I’ll be picking up Vitamin D today!
SAD here as well. Vitamin D-large dose daily. Some winters I’ve had to resort to prescription meds for a 2 month period. They make special “natural light lamps” for that. Friends tell me it works pretty well for them. Haven’t tried it myself yet.
Long Island is damp, dark and gloomy all winter.. The rest of the year makes up for it.
SAD here as well. Vitamin D-large dose daily. Some winters I’ve had to resort to prescription meds for a 2 month period. They make special “natural light lamps” for that. Friends tell me it works pretty well for them. Haven’t tried it myself yet.
Long Island is damp, dark and gloomy all winter.. The rest of the year makes up for it.
I have dealt with SAD since childhood in snowy Michigan, northern Indiana, and now Tennessee.
GET SOME DAYLIGHT LIGHT BULBS – do a google search for SAD Light Therapy and invest in a good lamp/bulbs for your favorite recliner area and for your sewing room.
Aside from that, talk with your doctor. There are short term things that he/she can prescribe for the winter months.
Take your vitamins, and increase your fish oil and vitamin D intake from October to May.
Above all, know that you are NOT alone and that you CAN handle this.
Good luck!
I have dealt with SAD since childhood in snowy Michigan, northern Indiana, and now Tennessee.
GET SOME DAYLIGHT LIGHT BULBS – do a google search for SAD Light Therapy and invest in a good lamp/bulbs for your favorite recliner area and for your sewing room.
Aside from that, talk with your doctor. There are short term things that he/she can prescribe for the winter months.
Take your vitamins, and increase your fish oil and vitamin D intake from October to May.
Above all, know that you are NOT alone and that you CAN handle this.
Good luck!
Hi Nicole,
I am sorry to hear it is a down week for you. My first thought is you are still recovering from your surgery. That sort of thing always takes more out of you than you think. Be sure to eat good, drink your water, take your vitamins, take a little walk and get that extra rest your body is asking for, without feeling quilty about it. Just another thought, any signs of infection? [in case you are wondering if I am mothering you–yes, I am a Mom plus a nurse ] Take care of yourself!!
Beverly in WA
P.S. SAD is definitely a problem in the winter months. I do hear often the special lights help. As well, as getting out in the sunshine on the days you may be fortunate to see some. Have you had a blood check for a Vitamin D deficiency? A Vitamin D deficit can cause a whole host of symptoms that clear when taking a supplement. Just take care of yourself Nicole. We want you well and will patiently [maybe :)] wait to see the pictures of your beautiful work!
Hi Nicole,
I am sorry to hear it is a down week for you. My first thought is you are still recovering from your surgery. That sort of thing always takes more out of you than you think. Be sure to eat good, drink your water, take your vitamins, take a little walk and get that extra rest your body is asking for, without feeling quilty about it. Just another thought, any signs of infection? [in case you are wondering if I am mothering you–yes, I am a Mom plus a nurse ] Take care of yourself!!
Beverly in WA
P.S. SAD is definitely a problem in the winter months. I do hear often the special lights help. As well, as getting out in the sunshine on the days you may be fortunate to see some. Have you had a blood check for a Vitamin D deficiency? A Vitamin D deficit can cause a whole host of symptoms that clear when taking a supplement. Just take care of yourself Nicole. We want you well and will patiently [maybe :)] wait to see the pictures of your beautiful work!
I’m with you on that, I’m in a horrible slump.
I’m with you on that, I’m in a horrible slump.
High doses of Vitamin D (5000mg daily). WA state has the highest vit d deficency and the highest rate of breast cancer. I had both. My Vit D count was 9, should be 30-50. That was Dec08, April 09, BC diagnosis! Ridiculous!!
High doses of Vitamin D (5000mg daily). WA state has the highest vit d deficency and the highest rate of breast cancer. I had both. My Vit D count was 9, should be 30-50. That was Dec08, April 09, BC diagnosis! Ridiculous!!
Just recently I found your wonderfull site and have enoyed reading it.
I agree with everyone else. It must be SAD. I live in Florida but this winter its hard to believe I am in in a subtropical climate.All our plants and palm trees are brown.It has been so cold and dreary.I do believe everyone I know is experiencing SAD.All of us are whining. My husband said that I needed to make a few warmer quilts as I usually use a cotton/silk blend for our climate.
To perk up my mood I am making a quilt using the springy tropical flowers of Verna with a Moda Scrap Bag. That has helped brighten my spirits as it looks so tropically happy. I cut the strips and do not know what my next step is.I am thinking maybe something to use on the beach.
Just recently I found your wonderfull site and have enoyed reading it.
I agree with everyone else. It must be SAD. I live in Florida but this winter its hard to believe I am in in a subtropical climate.All our plants and palm trees are brown.It has been so cold and dreary.I do believe everyone I know is experiencing SAD.All of us are whining. My husband said that I needed to make a few warmer quilts as I usually use a cotton/silk blend for our climate.
To perk up my mood I am making a quilt using the springy tropical flowers of Verna with a Moda Scrap Bag. That has helped brighten my spirits as it looks so tropically happy. I cut the strips and do not know what my next step is.I am thinking maybe something to use on the beach.
These are exactly my symptoms too. I was very interested reading this. I think I will get some Vitamin D when I go to the store later too. Come on sunshine and warm weather!!! Here in New Jersey it has been very dreary for quite a while. Thanks for all the input here.
These are exactly my symptoms too. I was very interested reading this. I think I will get some Vitamin D when I go to the store later too. Come on sunshine and warm weather!!! Here in New Jersey it has been very dreary for quite a while. Thanks for all the input here.