Help
With Your Rule
Seasonal Affective Disorder & A Mother's Rule
Dear Holly,
I read your book in July and LOVED it. I implemented a rule of my own and I was so happy with the change in my home and my heart. Here's my question: I struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The shorter days really affect me. I have a full-spectrum light and try to get time in front of it each day, which helps, but I am trying to discern how much to push myself harder and how much to accept that I am just less productive in the late fall and early winter than I am at other times of the year.
Labels: 2nd P Person
posted by Holly at 9:29 PM
4 Comments:
You know, I think I too struggle with this, altho I have not been officially diagnosed. All I can tell you is that, if I do NOT follow at least a semblance of a rule, then my life gets much worse than the SAD symptoms.
I think that a focus on the rule as dealing with 'essentials' - (ie : those things which 'must' be done - like prayer, time for husband, attention to children, meals and laundry and house cleaning once a week and kitchen duty...) all the things which make for a smooth life and are basic - I think THESE are things which you would want to really struggle to maintain even in the depths of winter.
For me, if I let these things slide, then I end up where I started - with no grace to support me and a messy house pressuring me. Perhaps, you could have a more 'laid back' winter rule - even religious houses, to my recollection, alter their requirements in the winter and change their schedules. They get more sleep, change prayer times to accomodate winter hours, etc... So - yes - an altered & more basic rule would be the best thing. That way you can accept the real limitations you experience personally during that time of year, but also still maintain those practices which I think are essential to your mental,
physical and spiritual health.
I also struggle with SAD symptoms in the winter time. What helps me is to make a point of going outdoors even if it is only for 15 minutes. I have read that it is really important to get outdoors and literally take into our eyes all the reflected sunlight and vitamin D. We spend a lot more time indoors than I believe we're meant too. We use the excuse of cold weather to keep us cooped up. Cuddling up with a good book is comforting, but only temporarily. If I'm going to help my mind I need to get outdoors and immerse myself in the beauty of the earth...God's creation...breathe deeply, receive His goodness. I try to go for a walk regularly or play outside with the kids after school.
I also find that during these months it is very important to do something that requires creativity, right brain thinking. For me that means scrapbooking. For others it might mean knitting or writing. Baking has turned out to be a not-so-good creative outlet for me, as the weight gain from all the sweets just brings me down once again.
I also make a point of setting up social interactions with friends for that week....a lunch or coffee date with a friend or dinner out with my husband once a week really helps.
A trip out to the local book store or library also helps me to get my spirits up. I sit and read then record in my journal all of my dreams for that year.
Making up new year's resolutions is also good but be careful with this one. Over planning can lead to failure in some areas which may lead to discouragement. I try to stick to an annual assessment of my personal mission statement all within the context of prayer and guidance from the Lord. Then it's me and Him together, not to mention with the help from the saints and angels.
These are things that help me with seasonal affective disorder. I haven't mentioned the obvious...sit at a very sunny window for at least 30 minutes per day....but I'm sure you already do that when the sun does come out! Did I mention sleep and exercise? Maybe next time I'll get into those.
I pray for you and for all of us women who struggle with this, that the Lord would help us through it with His grace, blessings and guidance...In Jesus' name.
I have been doing some reading on this lately. It seems an hour outside a day works wonders for SAD. And also, a regular menu plan which gives all the balanced food choices - to ensure adequate nutrition. Now, how can we ensure this unless we have some sort of a rule...
But for me, I guess I have just learned to accept that I am simply not productive in the winter like I am in the summer, and much of my winter stress has been cut by accepting this. The stress of trying to live hi-speed when you are functioning at 50% doesn't help someone with SAD.
So - for me, whether I officially have SAD or not, an altered rule in the winter helps a great deal. Even religious orders do this - St Teresa of Avila had a separate practical rule for winter and one for summer... Maybe she shared winter blues! :-)
You can see my altered rule for winter on Holly's Notebook Page. The only thing missing is the exercise portion - which can be done in free time.
One other note - while the schedule looks somewhat the same, with minor time differences, for me, what I actually accomplish in each of those time frames is reduced as I work at a slower pace. I focus on the basics, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
Spring brings new energy and heightened activity and accomplishment.
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