The Draggies

[Tiam]

Seems like every year around this time, I get hit by "The draggies." I get VERY tired. Very lethargic, very low energy. Nothing helps. Not coffee, not vitamin D or B or anything I know of. I just want to sleep and yet don't sleep well. I always take Vitamin D and this year have doubled it. Then it seems that in a month or six weeks or so, I get back into a rhythm and get my energy back, but right now, it's just so hard. I know exercise will help. This particular time of year is not good for me for exercise. I like to commute to work on my bike, but sometimes I'm having to do home visits and stuff and can't. Not sure how much it would help anyway. Anyone else get this and anyone have a helpful hint for combating it?

[kib]

Do you have a regular wake in the morning, sleep at night schedule? I've read that exposing yourself to bright sunlight early in the morning - as early as the sun will allow, of course - helps to reset our circadian rhythms. A light box could be used instead if you're getting up too early or in a very cloudy place.

I have a hard time with November-December because of the holidays; my body is saying "hibernate" and my TV is saying SPEND! PARTY! DRESS UP, BE FESTIVE, SOCIALIZE!

[Float On]

I hear you. All I want to do and actually had time to do last night was curl up under a blanket and sleep till the spring thaw. Was pretty disappointed it wasn't spring today when I woke up. I did sleep from 5:30 p.m. until 5:15 a.m. Seriously....I needed that. But I'm mopey and down and depressed and can't stand that thought that winter has only started.

[Tiam]

I actually like winter. I wish my house was warmer, but I like winter. I don't pine for summer. But it seems very hard to acclimate. By the time the shortest days arrive I seem to be getting over it. I think getting sunlight probably is the biggest issue for most people. I do try, and when I can, I get back to that cycling commute.

[ToomuchStuff]

Sounds like SAD. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

[nswef]

I've been trying to make sure I great a big dose of sunshine first thing in the morning and making myself get up around sunrise this wintertime. I don't know if it helps, but figure I need all the sun I can get. I certainly sympathize. I count the days until the days start getting longer, which really doesn't happen until nearly a week after solstice. d

[peggy]

Sounds like SAD. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

This is what I'm thinking. Isn't there a light, kind of like a grow light for humans to treat this disorder?

[Teacher Terry]

I would try the light treatment. I actually love winter but it is mild where I live. I think some people just need more light then others.

[herbgeek]

November is a horrible month for me. Its often cloudy and dark, sunny days are rare here in New England (ie there's no sunshine to expose oneself to). Its cold, the trees are bare, and I just want to hibernate. I usually put on a few pounds in November without increasing my food intake substantially. December usually has its share of dark days too, but the holidays keep me in a more upbeat mood (what little shopping I still do is mostly done on line so crowds and rude people don't bring me down). January is always much sunnier, and there are seed catalogs to look forward to. February the days are noticeably longer, and on a sunny day my greenhouse gets up into the 60s for a little solar therapy.

[ApatheticNoMore]

December is always a very difficult month for me. I'm often ok through November. But I get more tired, and I have a greater tendency to get depressed. I suddenly noticed recently every other sentence I say is about patiently enduring something or other .... and I realized I'm steeled toward it. And I'm physically much weaker this time of year too (I catch everything that goes around and it lingers too long).

There might actually be more than sufficient light here to maintain me in winter IF I wasn't in a dimly lit office with no natural light all day. But I am and such are always the offices I work in. And that combination and my body probably thinks I live in Seattle at least in winter. And it's not that I never take a walk outside in the morning before heading to work (I try to but there's a lot to do then) or never get outside the office either (I take a break) but ....

[jp1]

I used to feel this way when I lived in NYC. I worked in an office where I didn't get any sunlight and by 5:00 it was total night outside. I would make myself go spend my lunch hour outside to try and get sunlight. Living in California it's not such a problem. I have a window in my office so I can see sunlight throughout the day (I actually tend to stand up and go next to the window whenever I'm on the phone) and it's not totally night when I leave the office. No direct sunlight at that hour but it's not quite dark yet, which seems to make a big difference for my mood.

[Tiam]

Sounds like SAD. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Yes, but it gets better in late December. I don't think that's typical of SAD. So, I acclimate. Just wondering what I can do in November to keep it from being so difficult.

[Dhiana]

I've decided this year to just go with my seasonal ups and downs and I've been starting to plan accordingly.

During these colder months that I don't like to venture out as much so I am tackling a huge art project that I can only get done while sitting 80% of the time. Since I'm not going to feel like going anywhere anyway, it's been working so far. Plus I've signed up for an online class that I've been curious about and am learning a lot from the hours and hours of video as I work.
Is it lazy? Yes. But I'm feeling fulfilled despite my laziness. I still make sure I shower and get out for a walk to the grocers up the street once a day to check for fresh foods and sales. Unless it's raining. Then it's pjs all day long:)

In my worst month, March, I have a big trip to NZ and Australia planned which I'm totally psyched about so it's something fun to look forward to.
Will my plan work? I don't know, but so far I'm getting a lot of work done on my art project which will be completed at an artist residency in Australia in April.

Can you get some down time for yourself to just go with the flow of your body's rhythm a bit? Do a relaxing yet still fulfilling activity in the meantime until your body is ready to jump into the fast lane (or at least the middle lane) again?

[lessisbest]

Our daughter lived in Germany for 4-1/2 years (Army Officer hubby) and she noticed how all the curtains were shear and lacy in order to allow as much light as possible into homes. It was important for beating those Winter Solstice Blah's.

[oldhat]

I've found two things key for ameliorating winter depression. First, get regular exercise--if you don't have the time, make it. You don't have to kill yourself; in fact, I've personally found that milder exercise works best for improving my mood. I do 30 minutes of brisk walking on a treadmill at my office gym most days before work. I also walk for 20-25 minutes at lunch most days.

Second, try a light box. They aren't all that expensive. Here's the model I have. (http://www.amazon.com/Carex-Health-Brands-Day-Light-DL930/dp/B0009MFUWC/ref=sr_1_5?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1416580215&sr=1-5&keywords=light+box) One important thing: Make sure you spend enough time in front of it. When I first got the box I was sitting in front of it for 20-30 minutes and didn't feel like it was making much of a difference. But then I increased the time to at least 45 minutes and that seems to have helped a lot. Do it first thing out of bed in the morning. You can do other things while sitting in front of the box; the light's not so bright that you can't read or work on a laptop.

Hope this helps.

[ToomuchStuff]

Yes, but it gets better in late December. I don't think that's typical of SAD. So, I acclimate. Just wondering what I can do in November to keep it from being so difficult.

A couple of things happen in late December, one lots of activities to keep one busy and the second, the sun starts slowley staying out longer. Fall into early winter tends to be cloudier around here, so less direct sun. Couple that to when the body is adjusting and after a bit I seem to adjust. Wondering if your the same?
I haven't tried those SAD lights, knew they were out there, but with all the artificial light I am under, I tend to go for daylight balanced lights and it helps me (prefer the LED lights).

[oldhat]

The period from early November (when we go back on Standard Time) and mid-January is the worst where I live. Steadily shortening days, frequent overcast and rainy/snowy weather, and increasing cold. The solstice gives me a bit of a psychological boost because I know the days are starting to get longer, although it's not until late January-early February that you really feel the difference. There are still two more months of cold, but there's light (literally) at the end of the tunnel.

[Rosemary]

Big problem here too. I think I finally can mostly beat it after 10 years in MN. I keep the same sleep/wake times all year, though sometimes get up earlier in summer; morning light as soon as possible; vit D; exercise early in the morning, even if it's the treadmill in the basement (which I'm using right now, typing on the computer); LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies. I also go for a walk outside every day to stay acclimated to the weather, whenever possible.

I replaced some CFL bulbs with 5000K color temp LED bulbs - big difference. Much closer to outdoor lighting.

[Tiam]

Now I'm feeling less sleepy. But more inflamed. More joint pain. Going back to drinking Rooibos tea which actually seems to help some.

[Tiam]

A couple of things happen in late December, one lots of activities to keep one busy and the second, the sun starts slowley staying out longer. Fall into early winter tends to be cloudier around here, so less direct sun. Couple that to when the body is adjusting and after a bit I seem to adjust. Wondering if your the same?
I haven't tried those SAD lights, knew they were out there, but with all the artificial light I am under, I tend to go for daylight balanced lights and it helps me (prefer the LED lights).

True, true! Although I stay away from holiday activities, and the day's don't start to lengthen till after around the 21st. I doubt longer than right now.

[Tiam]

It must be something about the transition from long to short days, because the incredible fatigue and sleepiness is gone now. Seems like it's confined to November and doesn't carry into Decemeber That's why I'm sure it's not SAD, it's more like a shock to the body and body trying to adjust to it. I'm not able to right now, because I'm having to do travel trips throughout the day in my car, but hopefully I will be done with that and I would like to try riding my bike again. The dark is the hard part, but I think the ride in the cold will be exhilarating and feel good.

[Gardenarian]

Old thread, but I'm feeling the "draggies" now.

I think it has more to do with stuff going on in my life than sleep/nutrition/light - but of course all those things play a part.

I'm still very happy about our move, but the first rush has worn off. And the unpacking goes on and on. I'm unpacking slowly and with a purpose - I'm being very careful about selecting "homes" for items, and getting rid of things even after we packed and moved them. I'd sure like that to be over!

I'm also at a stage in my new job where it's no longer all new and exciting, yet I still have lots to learn (and mistakes to make.)

My dog dying also has me crying a couple of times a day; sometimes I feel better afterwards - often I just want to lie around with our remaining dog and snuggle.

I'm trying hard to keep my fitness routine going. I've yet to find a yoga teacher who works for me, so I'm doing solo practice, which takes a lot of motivation. I have also not been eating as well as I usually do - definitely room for improvement there.

When we first moved I was so caught up in the excitement that everything seemed easy and fun - I'd like to maintain that! But I think I'm moving toward developing routines and habits that work for me. I guess it's inevitable to have routines; I really don't want them to become ruts.

As I'm writing I'm thinking that I need a little break for a day or two - not necessarily away, but a break of some kind. I'll have to think about this. Maybe just giving myself a day to take photographs, play guitar, write - to live the life I'll eventually have once the moving is done. Anything to get my head out of the boxes, house cleaning, and my mind off my dog.

[kib]

You have been through a lot! I think your prescription is ideal, a little time to distance and renew yourself and get some fresh energy. I'm amazed that moving still seems to be going on in my life two years after buying this house. Each week brings something that feels out of the ordinary and disruptive, and it can be really exhausting after a while, even the fun stuff can start to seem like an imposition. I get resentful toward the weather!


The unpacking will wait. The cleaning will wait. Even the grieving will wait, if you want it to. Have a Gardenarian Day. :)

[Gardenarian]

TWO YEARS?? oh my.
Yep, better take that break now and remember why we wanted to move in the first place. Thanks kib!