Here Comes the Sun

Despite the busyness of the Space Opera class last week, I got plenty of sun. Even when the temps were below zero this week, there was lots of sun.

All that lovely light definitely improved my mood. I've had a rough time dealing with my Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka SAD, this winter. The political climate and growing sense of fear have not helped.

Plus my week in Vegas recharged certain batteries, I really don't have anyone to talk business with here in town. Most of my friends live two hours or more away. Yes, we communicate by various means, but there's a certain energy you get when you talk with someone in person. I definitely got that during breakfast, lunch, and breaks during the class.

So this week, I've put that excitement into my work, and I got a bit accomplished--even though something I though would be a one-day project has turned into three days. LOL

Things are finally moving in the right direction. Even if I did have to take a nap after this morning's yoga class. But that's part of taking care of the word-producing machine.

It's a SAD Day

Monday started gray, dreary, and drizzling. We need the rain here in Northwest Ohio. Gods know we need it. But when the sun rises around 7:30 a.m. and sets around 5:10 p.m., it makes for an exhausting day.

So when I refer to SAD, I mean Seasonal Affective Disorder, not the emotion. Though to be honest, SAD can make you sad.

Everyone who deals with SAD can have slightly different symptoms. In my case, a low level depression and fatigue set in around Halloween. It's why I (generally) keep my holiday lights up until Valentine's Day. By then, we're getting more daylight, and my symptoms ease, even though it's usually still pretty damn cold.

And while I've sworn off most sweets, this is the time of year when dark chocolate comes in handy to improve my mood, along with anything with cinnamon, orange, or peppermint flavors. Or even better, mix dark chocolate with the other three flavors.

Just not all at the same time. LOL

The good thing is this is a temporary affliction. My skeleton lights are still up and glowing in my art room. I still have a partial box of dark chocolate truffles from Godiva, a birthday present to myself int anticipation of SAD.

And I still have enjoyable books to read and write.

Coronavirus Pandemic Day 321 - Surviving the WInter Blues

We're closing in on the end of the first month of 2021. 25,374,301 known cases of COVID-19. 423,611 known dead from the disease. The thing that sticks out to me? California had to temporarily lift EPA emissions standards on all their crematoriums because of the sheer volume of bodies they are dealing with.

Think about that for a minute.

It's been almost a year since the lockdowns in the U.S. began. The fact that it's the middle of winter is not helping. A lot of people like me suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka SAD. Being trapped in your home is bad enough. Adding a huge layer of depression on top of things is not helping.

What do I do to cope? Here's a list of what helps me. This is not medical advice. If you're having seriously issues dealing, please, PLEASE talk to your doctor!

1) If you've got a fireplace, light the fire. The warmth and flames gives me a cheery feeling. Candles work in a pinch.

2) Chocolate, especially dark chocolate. A little treat will lift my mood because it contains the same chemicals the body produces when we are in love.

3) A humorous book, movie, or TV show. My go-to's are Irresistible? by Stephanie Bond, The Wedding Singer, and The Big Bang Theory or Friends.

Just remember to wear your mask and socially distance, even if you've gotten your vaccination. We CAN get through this if we look out for each other!

The Sun Is Out!

Sweet Baby Jesus! The sun is out!

Seriously, we've had maybe 20 hours of sunlight in our little corner of Ohio since Halloween. I have friends in Alaska who are getting more sunshine than I am. And if I'm not getting some regular sunshine, it makes the SAD so much worse.

So I'm not writing about anything earth-shattering today. I'm going to get out to run errands, do the last bit of holiday shopping, mail the packages I've already wrapped, etc.

And try to get a short story finished that I promised my readers months ago!