Light Therapy

 

Can we get real?

The end of February and turn into March had me hitting the winter wall. 

Hard. 

Whether it was the extended lack of light or deficit of soul restoring activity (for me - hiking/paddle boarding/gardening, etc.) is debatable, but in every way I was done. 

DONE done. 

Suddenly dragging, uninspired, unmotivated, scatty brained, tired all day, unfocused and basically no longer thriving. Unable to even reach for the things that would normally pull me out of a slump. And seemingly so, all overnight. 

All the collected ideas of how to winter through actual winter worked great until they didn't. And all of my recent field trip planning was fun - until I ran out of umph to actually execute. 

Desperate for some relief I ordered a tiny light therapy lamp for $12. My how these lights have changed over the last few years! I have had one in the past that was a big clunky monstrosity, but this one nearly fit in the palm of my hand. 

I've been using it every morning when I first wake up for 15-30 minutes while I have my glass of water followed by that first cup of coffee goodness. Three days is all it took for me to start feeling like a whole new person again. I have no idea how this works other than a vague understanding that the UV free simulated 10,000 lux daylight boosts serotonin which boosts energy and mood. Magic or science, either way, I'll take it. 

Thankfully we have also had a few days of "real" sunlight which has also helped, bring spring ever closer. 

So, here we are. Slowly getting back on track. 

- Jen