Today was a gloomy day. It’s been like that for many days this long Midwestern winter. I was speaking to my twenty-five-year-old son yesterday and he was talking about how much he hates the winters and how depressing it is. It was clear he was struggling. I will share with you here what I said to him.

1. Take 5000 ml. of Vitamin D

2. Make sure to drink plenty of water

3. Eat healthy food grown from the Earth every day

4. Exercise, stretch, walk

5. Get a full spectrum light box and sit in front of it every day for 30 minutes. (I bought him one and shipped it to him.)

Then I reminded him that this time of year is really tough on a lot of people, including me. While none of what I suggested is a magic cure, doing what I suggest does help. He said, “it won’t do any good.”

My response: “humor me.”

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real issue. I have suffered with it my whole life. But I can tell you…if you too get the “winter blues,” following some simple, daily, holistic practices do make a big difference. In addition to the above I did some other things that have helped tremendously.

I painted all the rooms in my house in bright, cheerful colors.
I have full spectrum lights in all my rooms.
I post positive affirmations in every room at many points where my eyes will see them easily. such as next to the bathroom mirror and on my computer. On the computer monitor for which I am now writing I have two affirmations: “I love myself” and “I am ever changing and growing.”
Have a cheerful and happy week!

Sandy Kamen Wisniewski