My yearly battle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how I have learned to cope.

Every year I feel it coming. Just about mid-October, the weather starts to cool down and the threat of winter coming hangs over my head. The feeling stays there and continues to come and go, overshadowed by the excitement of the holidays and time with family. Then BOOM, January, it hits me like a train. Most days during the Chicago winter, you can’t see the blue of the sky or the sun shining through the clouds. Its bleak, it’s cold and it’s dark. For me it feels like hopelessness. I feel trapped and sad. This is Seasonal Affective Disorder and I have a pretty bad case of it. Because I haven’t been able to move to a sunnier location (just yet – fingers crossed) I have found some ways to cope with these feelings that I will share with you just in case SAD is something that affects you or someone you love.

1) Get outside. Invest in the right clothing to keep you comfortable in the cold temps and get some fresh air. Especially on the gloomiest of days when you’d rather not leave the house.

2) Exercise. Choose your favorite way to sweat and let your body naturally release those happy endorphins! If you're a runner like me, you may find that you can run faster and longer in the colder temps!

3) Talk to a friend. Call a friend to chat or arrange to take a walk together. Laughing together and relating to others can be a refreshing mood-booster.

4) Nourish your body with healthy food. When you’re feeling down your body craves foods that are comforting. This causes many of us to reach for unhealthy choices that contain processed ingredients and too much sugar. It may feel good while you are eating them, but the after effects will cause you to feel worse. Instead, get in the kitchen and make a comforting soup! Soups are warming, comforting and good for your body and soul. I’m including one of my favorites below!

5) Invest in a therapy light. Studies have shown that using a therapy light, which mimics natural sunlight, consistently at least 20-30 minutes a day can help reduce the impact of SAD. Be consistent and use the light every day, first thing in the morning is best. Therapy lights are widely available. Here is the link to the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H39NDL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6) Cozy up your home. Try to embrace the season by making a cozy space indoors. Buy some candles, throw blankets and fuzzy pillows to create a warm, inviting and calm space to relax.

7) Lastly, when the sun pokes through the clouds, get outside as fast as you can and enjoy it while it lasts!

Chicken-less noodle soup

1 tsp. olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped

3 large carrots, peeled and chopped

½ tsp. dried thyme

½ tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. dried rosemary

4 cups (1 carton) vegetable broth

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed (I used cannellini beans)

1 cup water

½ cup elbow noodles (I used gluten free brown rice noodles)

2 tsp. salt

Pepper to taste

Juice from ½ lemon

Saute garlic and onion in olive oil until soft. Add carrots and celery and saute a few minutes more. Add 1 tsp. salt and dried herbs. Blend beans in a blender with a little vegetable broth until smooth. Add bean mixture to pot. Add remaining vegetable broth to pot, followed by noodles. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Check soup, if it is too thick add water to desired consistency. Season with more salt and pepper and stir in lemon juice.

**I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach, but I am not a Doctor. The advice given on this page is strictly my own and before making changes to your health routine you should consult a licensed professional.