I was talking with one of my mentors today when I said, “So
right now it’s sunny”, referring to my feelings about work. She then asks, “Are
you affected by that?”
She was asking if I suffer from Season Affective Disorder
(SAD). I was just referring to my mood for the week so far! But that got me
thinking…
Let’s start by reviewing SAD. According to the Mayo Clinic: Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in
seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're
like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into
the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often,
SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.
Typical signs of SAD include feeling depressed (sometimes
mistakenly called the “winter blues”), losing interest in activities, low
energy, trouble sleeping, change to appetite or weight, difficulty
concentrating, agitation, and anxiety. SAD is a legit condition that may
require support from your doctor. Please don’t ignore the signs!
So how does this relate to Work at Home and my train of
thought? I don’t suffer from SAD. Or do I?
One of the things I have written about time and again is
that Work At Home folks need to get out of the house and be social. Humans are
social creatures. And if you stay locked in your home all day, you will likely
end up with cabin fever. No TV and no beer make Homer something something…
Now add on Winter. With shorter days and bitter cold, who
really wants to go outside? It’s dark in the morning before you get started. It’s
dark after work when you are done. Just looking out the window at grey skies is
enough to make you sad. So, what do you do? You stay inside. You’re less
social. You aren’t doing yard work. You’re not walking the dog. You’re a hermit
until the spring thaw.
In-office workers leave the house. Granted, they must drive
in the snow and ice and walk to buildings in frosty temps. But they are out of
the house! You, on the other hand, never escape. You’re being held captive by your
work and the seasons. There is no escape, no way out. You stare at these walls
all day, every day, waiting to be released.
This is why I started looking at SAD differently. I never
considered it before. But, Work At Home can actually create worse conditions
for you and cause new suffering. Even if you broke free from your home, what
would you do? There are no fairs, no al fresco dining, no picnics, no walking
groups, etc. because it’s dark, cold, and no one wants to be outside. So how do
you cope?
First, you approach SAD from a traditional mindset. Light therapy,
aromatherapy, exercise, opening the curtains on the rare sunny days, manage
your nutrition, and meditate. You may also need professional help with
medications or talk therapy. But, when Work At Home is adding to it, you
absolutely MUST create ways to get out of the house. Try new indoor activities
such as paint classes, joining a gym, book clubs, wine tastings, volunteering, adult
education, potlucks with friends, and so on. There are plenty of possibilities.
The key is effort from you.
Sure, it’s tempting to put on your comfy pants and curl up
in a blanket for the entire evening. I know my pups and I certainly enjoy that
time! (Hubby does too I guess – LOL!) However, you must force yourself out into
the world, or your home will consume your wellbeing. We’ve created new causes
influencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, but we also hold many keys to unlock
ourselves. Be free and be well!
