Each
quarter, I write to you about how affirmations have worked powerfully
in my life or in the lives of others. I truly believe there is healing
power in positive words and thoughts, I use affirmations myself,
and that passion for spreading the news about affirmations drove
me to design and print Affirming Spirit™ Affirmation cards
as well as develop the Affirming Spirit™ website. I don't need
to be convinced that affirmations work. I know they do.
As
the Seasons Change
However, every year as the days get shorter and the weather turns
cooler, I find myself less able to think positively—even when
using affirmations—and more inclined to prefer solitude and
darkness. It sounds crazy, but I just want to hibernate!! It's hard
for someone like myself, who understands the power of positive thought,
to understand why positive thought is not as affective during the
winter months. Instead, the thought of crawling into a cave, falling
asleep and not coming out until spring becomes very appealing
to me! Literally, there are days when it takes me all day just to
wake up. To some, my behavior seems definitely depressed compared
to my normally outgoing, upbeat, and friendly personality. Of course,
when Spring comes with warmer weather and more sunshine, I'm a social
butterfly once again.
Having
displayed this behavior since I was a young child, I was astonished
when I moved to Salt Lake City, to attend college, that I no longer
felt the same lethargy during the winter months. If you haven't
been to this rocky mountain city in the winter, let me just say
it's BRIGHT. Being 3,500 feet above sea level, Salt Lake City is
not only closer to the sun but the sun is out a lot during
the winter time...or at least a lot more than I was used to while
growing up. Even when the sun is not shining, the snow reflects
the illumination of the skies and it is dramatically brighter than
the eastern town near Lake Ontario where I was raised. During winter,
Utah's sky is often bright blue with big puffy white clouds—a
dramatic contrast to the dark gray gloom of Western NY state that
I was accustomed to!!
Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]
While living in Salt Lake City, I first learned about and realized
that I might have Seasonal Affective Disorder.
SAD is characterized by depression that occurs only during the winter
months, or when sunlight is minimal, and it is so common that the
symptoms are usually accepted as normal. It is estimated
that 25 million people every year in the U.S. alone suffer from
SAD. While this disorder is found more often in women (four times!)
than men, it is usually accompanied by carbohydrate cravings, excessive
sleeping, weight gain, fatigue, reduced drive, and sometimes lowered
immunity.
Scientists
currently believe that high levels of melatonin, triggered by less
sunlight during the winter months, are the cause of SAD. Bright
light treatment has been found to be affective in alleviating the
symptoms in more than 80% of those affected by 'winter blues'. Exposure
to bright light can dramatically lower the amount of melatonin in
the bloodstream. You can learn more about SAD and the use of light
as a healing tool in the groundbreaking book entitled, Light—Medicine
of the Future: How We Can Use It to Heal Ourselves Now, by Jacob
Liberman, O.D., Ph.D.
(scroll to bottom of article for more information or click
here). This is a fascinating book about the importance of light
on brain function, and a must-read for anyone that wants to understand
how the brain works!
Let
There Be Light
For years, I've suspected that I had SAD and knew there were lights
available that could alleviate the symptoms. Several years ago,
I changed all the light bulbs in my house to full spectrum bulbs
and did notice that the light from these bulbs is much less yellow.
Still, I just couldn't imagine how a light box speficially designed
for sufferers of SAD could make a difference in mood.
This
year, I decided that I'd lived long enough with this issue and it
was time to find a solution. I found a special 10,000 lux desk light.
I use it in the morning when I first get up, while it is often still
gloomy outside, to illuminate me while I journal and start my day.
Quickly I forget that it's even there, but I am amazed at the results.
In just a few days, I not only had more energy and didn't need my
usual afternoon nap, but I also had fewer cravings and was more
efficient with my time. I've gotten a lot done since buying this
lamp and that feeling of accomplishment has me feeling much more
upbeat as I head into this holiday season. Who knew light could
make this much of a difference? Evidently, Dr. Jacob Liberman does!
I should
also mention that exercise is also an important tool in mood elevation,
and can easily work in conjunction with light therapy. You can also
combine daily walks with affirmations. Before going out for walks,
I sometimes will read my affirmations just before I leave the house,
then repeat them to myself as I walk, and return home to read the
affirmations one more time. Repetive movement of the body will spark
the endorphins, the feel-good hormones, in your brain which further
lift your mood. I've often noticed that I feel better after exercising,
but when you are suffering from SAD or any other form of depression,
it's hard to even motivate yourself to move. The bottom line is:
You can't get the benefit of exercise without actually doing it.
When
Affirmations Aren't Enough
Affirmations are a fabulous tool for the healthy mind, but they
won't help you if you are suffering from SAD, clinical or manic
depression, or any other condition that saps your mental energies.
So, if you recognize yourself in the description of SAD, or suspect
that you have a condition that is hampering your life, seek treatment
from a qualified practitioner that you respect.
You will be glad you did! The increased energy and improved attitude
will make working with affirmations an even more powerful experience.
