Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

With daylight-saving time behind us, and the dark days of winter just ahead, our bodies must shift to accommodate this seasonal change. For many of us, this shift doesn't work so well and we need a little extra help.

Have you ever noticed that at this time of year you're more lethargic, have a harder time waking up, have low energy, or feel a little down? You might have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Other symptoms of SAD are: social withdrawal; appetite changes; a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; weight gain; difficulty concentrating and processing information; anxiety; loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed; or hopelessness.

SAD is actually a kind of depression that is triggered by the change of seasons, usually beginning in late fall and continuing through the winter months. For milder cases of SAD, the natural increase of light that comes with spring and summer is all that is needed to lift the spirits and melt away the funk. But for others more seriously affected, more help is needed.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lower levels of sunlight during this time of year can alter the proper functioning of our body clock and interrupt our natural circadian rhythm that regulates sleep. Being out of kilter in this fashion can cause depression. The level of a natural hormone called Melatonin might also be disturbed, which can destabilize sleep patterns. Moreover, our brains might also be affected by a drop in Seratonin, a brain chemical that affects mood.

Women are much more likely than men to experience SAD, especially those of us in the darker northern tier states where sunlight is most reduced at this time of year. Imagine how our sistahs in Alaska may feel being in perpetual darkness for several months!

Many SAD sufferers extoll the virtues of light therapy--exposure to simulated sunlight to help support the natural functioning of the circadian rhythm. Herbal supplementation of Melatonin or Seratonin also is deemed effective. However, it is important for your regular healthcare professional or a mental health specialist to provide a proper evaluation.

For more information on SAD, visit the Mayo Clinic website.

You have the best intentions to take care of yourself, right? But invariably something gets in the way--the demands on a sistah never cease!

Now more than ever, you must learn to set yourself as a priority. To pace yourself--to avoid being overloaded, overwhelmed, overtired, and overlooked. Preserving your most precious resource--your health--is a responsibility that only you can do for yourself. And without good health, everything else falters. How do you do this? Decide!

Decide that this will be the last time you say "Yes" when you really want to say "No!" Decide that you'll step away from the drama, rather than letting it engulf you. Decide that you'll explore a new direction rather than settling for the same old path. Decide you'll embrace your own thoughts, instead of worrying about the opinions of others. Decide that you'll put yourself first, recognizing that if yours isn't tight, nothing else will be right.

This year, as you sit down at the Thanksgiving table, give prayers of appreciation not only for what you have, but who you are--a beautiful expression of the Divine. Living from that internal well-spring of wisdom is the source of the greatest power you can experience. Decide that you will believe in the unbounded power of you. Decide to honor this resource in yourself. The joy you'll feel inside as a result will nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Ashe!

As the weather grows colder, soup is always a welcomed, warming treat. I just couldn't resist adding this quick adaptation of the WHOLE Roasted A&B Squash recipe, in case you want to cook a double batch--one for your Thanksgiving table and the other for soup. With a food processor, your soup will be ready in a flash!



Ingredients:
1 batch WHOLE Roasted A&B Squash
3 cups chicken or veggie broth
3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Dash cayenne pepper
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Scoop the flesh of the roasted squash into a food processor. While processor is spinning (with the top on so it won't splatter the kitchen walls!) slowly add the broth and continue processing until velvety smooth.
2. Pour contents into a medium-sized sauce pan, stir in cream and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings by adding sea salt and pepper as needed. Heat soup on medium setting until pipping hot, stirring often.
3. To serve, ladle into bowl and garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt or creme fraiche. Enjoy!