As we’re finally seeing some longer days and brighter skies, I’ve been reflecting on the past winter. It’s funny how easy it is to let things slide when the days are short and the nights are long, isn’t it? I know I wasn’t alone in feeling a bit… off.
It’s easy to dismiss those feelings as just being “tired” or “busy,” but looking back, I realize I was definitely experiencing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s more than just feeling down; it’s a real shift in energy and motivation.
I remember those mornings, hitting the snooze button way too many times, and feeling like I was dragging myself out of bed. Even though I’m a fitness coach, I found my healthy habits slipping.
Here’s what I noticed:
- A constant feeling of lethargy.
- Becoming more irritable than usual.
- Losing interest in activities I normally enjoyed.
- Sleeping longer but still feeling exhausted.
- Craving carbohydrates and sweet treats.
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks.
Even though I know the importance of healthy eating and sleep, I found it challenging to maintain those routines during the darker months. Balancing work, family, and personal well-being became a real struggle when seasonal affective disorder took hold.
Looking back, here’s what my winter looked like:
- Struggling to get out of bed, even with multiple alarms.
- Relying on excessive amounts of coffee to get through the day.
- Turning to comfort foods and sugary snacks.
- Spending too much time scrolling through social media.
- Feeling more short-tempered with those around me.
- Neglecting my own training routine.
It was a bit of a wake-up call, especially as someone who promotes healthy living.
Here’s what I learned, and what I did to get back on track:
- Recognized the symptoms of Seasonal affective disorder and acknowledged the impact it was having.
- Created a realistic plan to re-establish healthy habits.
- Prioritized my own training, as I know how much it improves my mood and energy.
- Made conscious choices to limit sugary treats.
- Re-established a consistent sleep routine, even on the darkest mornings.
- Set clear goals to regain focus and motivation.
It’s easy to say now, with the benefit of hindsight, but it wasn’t easy at the time. That’s why we emphasize the importance of check-in appointments with our members. We want to provide support and guidance during those challenging times.
We all go through periods where we need to re-evaluate and adjust our routines. It’s about recognizing when things are off-balance and taking steps to restore that balance. Did seasonal affective disorder
What do you need?
If you’re finding that you are having trouble getting back on track after the winter months, please reach out to us. We’re here to help.
Let’s embrace the brighter days and focus on building a healthier, more balanced lifestyle together, Bromley. Read what we do to help you combat Season Affective Disorder.
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