New Beginnings

I don't know if this is a true beginning or if there was ever really an end, but my motivation is back and I have teamed up with a few friends and family to get a grip on my nutrition and fitness before the cold/holiday season starts.

I have, especially the last couple of winters, had a hard time dealing with the changing seasons. I would say last year was the hardest of all. It doesn't really make sense to be depressed when you are a newlywed and have so many exciting things happening, but for months before that wonderful day that I married my best friend I dealt with all of the planning. I am so happy it turned out the way it did, but I am so happy to be done with it. Never again. Wedding planning has been the second most stressful thing I've ever done in my life. Buying a house was #1. Luckily, I made it through both without committing any crimes and with all of my hair intact.

But the stress of the wedding, the stress of holidays, the stress of gaining weight due to the stress of everything else... it all takes a toll on your body. Add on a horrible diet and it's really no wonder I wanted to stay in bed and do only things that required no thinking or emotion for the entirety of last winter.

This winter, I want to get a handle on things before it gets to that point. This year I'm doing things a little differently. First of all, I'm taking vitamin D. There's nothing that can substitute for the real deal, but if you can't get out in those rays, then vitamin D does help. Also, I'm going to make sure I stick to a fitness routine. Exercise has also been shown to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I even moved our treadmill into the house (by myself, I might add) in an attempt to make sure that I have no excuse not to do SOMETHING! Thirdly, I'm going to make sure to stick to our Whole30 nutritional plan this winter. I feel worlds different when I follow the plan, so I know it will help me to stay more positive, more energetic, healthier this snowy season. And the last thing, for now, that I plan on doing is to keep in touch with people. Interaction goes a long way to keep you from those winter blues. I have Gus and I have Hubby, but sometimes just giving a friend a call when you are feeling a little out of it, can really liven you up and help you keep your chin up.

So, my brother's girlfriend and I have decided to do P90x together. We started yesterday! I have a backup plan. Because Tony can get a little obnoxious. And sometimes I just don't have 60 - 90 minutes to devote to a workout routine. Plus a shower! So I am going to keep some Fitness Blender videos handy and have my treadmill cleared off so I can jump into those on days when I know I should do something, but just can't get on board with P90x.

Hubby and I are also doing the Whole30. I have to admit that we did indulge a little more than a little at our friend's wedding this weekend, so we are starting it over again. It is going to take us past Thanksgiving, but we're planning on putting together a few Whole30 friendly turkey day recipes to keep us on track and maybe even make a believer out of some of our family members!

So I've got exercise with my some-day-sister-in-law (come on bro!) and then a nutrition plan with Hubby. I've got the support of my friends and family to keep me busy and socializing. And Gus of course! : ) And I'll be taking my vitamins too! So with all of those tools under my belt, I plan to show Winter who's boss this year!! Wish me luck! I'm considering taking measurements and posting them, in an attempt to hold me accountable and on track. I'll be updating either way though! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Jumping Back In

Hi guys,

I decided to take a bit of a break from writing due to some personal reasons. The calendar says it is Spring, but Mother Nature still has me feeling like it is winter and I have been having a bit of trouble battling the "winter blues". I thought it best to wait until I was a little more chipper, and a little less stressed, before getting back to writing regularly.

So, what are the winter blues? The "winter blues", also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is defined by the National Library of Medicine as:
"... a kind of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter."

It is typical for it to happen in the winter, which is the reason it is called "winter blues" instead of "seasonal blues", I guess. But there are cases of people becoming depressed during the summer months as well. This happens routinely at the same time each year, usually starting around the Fall months.

Symptoms according to the Mayo Clinic:

 Fall and winter seasonal affective disorder (winter depression)

• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Anxiety
• Loss of energy
• Heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs
• Social withdrawal
• Oversleeping
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating

Spring and summer seasonal affective disorder (summer depression)

• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Increased sex drive

 Causes:

 The Mayo Clinic states that the exact cause is still not known, but here are some likely causes:

• Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt your body's internal clock, which lets you know when you should sleep or be awake. This disruption of your circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression.
• Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in seasonal affective disorder. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.
• Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the natural hormone melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.

 They also say that being female, living far from the equator, and having a history or family history of depression may increase the risk of suffering from seasonal affective disorder.

Treatments:

Light Therapy - you sit a few feet from a specialized light therapy box so that you're exposed to bright light. Light therapy mimics outdoor light and appears to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood.

Psychotherapy & Medications - These are used after light therapy has been attempted unsuccessfully.

There are other things that you can do on your own to reduce the likelihood of suffering from SAD. This includes opening up the curtains/blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible during the day. Also, sitting near a window while you work, read, draw, etc. can help. Getting outside and getting regular exercise are also great ways to help and make sure to get enough sleep each night.

If you are into supplements, they recommend St. John's Wort, SAMe, Melatonin, and Omega-3 fatty acids. And other therapy includes yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.

Always, before trying any kind of treatment, talk to your doctor about your symptoms to see what they suggest. Also, seek help if you are having suicidal thoughts or turn to alcohol or other substances for relief.

The Mayo Clinic is a great resource for causes, treatments, and symptoms: Click Here to read the original page.