Where I live, the winters are long and there are a lot of gray days.  A lot. Day after day the sun hides, and gray is all I see outside.

What I’ve learned is that gray can make its way inside your spirit if you’re not careful.  Your mood can match what you see, and before you know it, the light is blocked out.

Is this something you struggle with as well? Are gray days affecting how you feel and making you feel blah?

You’re not alone. It’s a real thing that you’re feeling.  There’s even a  name for it.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) That’s the name of the blues in the long days of winter.  It’s referred to as a “Winter or seasonal depression and is a syndrome with depression that starts and ends at the same time each year”.

I have realized that it’s something I struggle with every year.  Talking with other women I realized I’m not the only one that struggles with this when the days are cold and gray.  It’s hard to find the ‘happy”.

I’ve come up with some ways that have helped me a lot, and hopefully, it can help you as well.  It may be gray outside, but you can still focus on the light!  Physically and spiritually.  Let’s talk about it and let the light shine again!

Physically.

 I’m a firm believer in light therapy.  I have a Happy Light by Verilux and it works.  When I feel myself feeling blue, I get it out and sit in front of it for about 15 minutes every morning.  There is science to back it up of how the light rays emitting from it changes the way you feel.  The Happy Light mimics sunlight using a full spectrum light to enhance mood, energy, sleep, and focus-but without harmful UV rays.  It can also help with jet-lag, and if you work late shifts.

Use it in the morning within a couple of hours waking up.  They have different sizes, so there is something for everyone.

Get Moving.  When your feeling blah, it makes you feel tired.  The last thing you want to do is exercise, but that’s what you need the most.   By moving your body you release those happy hormones that will give you more energy.  The first 5 minutes you may have to push yourself, but your brain will kick in and start flooding your body with endorphins and happy will be on its way!

Sleep.  The Happy light will help with this also!  Don’t forsake your sleep at night.  Waking up tired and irritable will only intensify your blue feelings.  There is healing going on while you sleep.  It’s one of the most important things you can do for your health and healthy aging.  Make your sleep a priority again and it will help you feel better every day.

Soak In A Tub.  I have talked to women who say they have not soaked in a tub for years!  Yes, years! What?!  Warm water is healing to the body and the soul.   It’s therapeutic in so many ways.  Get yourself a good ingredient bubble bath product, or just put some drops of a  wonderful essential oil in the tub water, and soak.  15-20 minutes later you will feel calmer, relaxed and hopefully a little less blue because you nurtured yourself.

Now let’s talk about how we can bring the light back inside of you.

Spiritually.

Sometimes we have to go looking for the light.  The gray days are a real thing, and they really can affect your moods and keep you stuck if you let it.

God’s Word can be a sunbeam shining into your spirit, lifting you up no matter how many days are gray!  Where do you start?

Read Gods Word.   If you haven’t done that before, maybe start with a daily devotional.  It’s a bite-size of reading usually with a scripture verse that can set the tone for your day.  Don’t be surprised if you feel like it’s so timely and it’s just for you.  That’s how it is with God’s Word, it’s personal and gets right to the heart!

Pray.  Sometimes we just need to talk it out.  It’s ok to tell God how you’re feeling with the moods and anything else that comes to mind that you’re struggling with.  Ask Him for more light in your life, and for Him to guide you in areas that you need more of Him.  He will do it.

Quiet.  There’s a time to talk to God and there are times to be quiet before Him.  Both are so important spiritually.  He needs to talk to you, and you have to quiet yourself to hear His voice.  Try to quiet yourself for just 5 minutes a day, while taking some deep breaths.  You will feel light breaking into your soul and more hopeful for the days ahead.

Spring is coming, and the sun and light will be more abundant.  You don’t have to wait until then!  Being more mindful physically and spiritually, you can have the light with you all year long, by giving some of these things a try.

You just might be surprised how much brighter those gray days feel.

 

Until next time, let your light shine!

~pat