This years to do list!

Hiya Kirsty, Everyone else too.

It’s great to have a thread that emphasises the positive contributions we can make to help ourselves over the worst time of the year. Maybe we should do these things all the time to help us ‘sinking’ so fast at bad times in the rest of the year. Easy to say, I know!

Since I first got signed off work with SAD three years ago, I tried to establish as habits things that make me feel better and more able to deal with things.

Every day plan is designed so I can cope on doing the minimum. I try and do this year round. I get a lot more done if I’m up and dressed properly!

Get up as near to normal time as I am able. This is easier now I have dawn simulator … I think…. Only got it in the spring, so maybe it’s soon to tell, so far so good. When your sleep is erratic, it’s important to keep regular hours.

So leading on from that… no napping in the day and get to bed at a reasonable hour…. Not too difficult in the winter…. Except that sometimes I have to resist the temptation to go to bed too early!

Then get into clothes before going downstairs….this meant that when I was off work I wasn’t in my pyjamas if my friend called on her way back from dropping the kids at the bus. Drink tea that dh made (on a bad day I will have that in bed, because he’s brought it for me, before I managed to get myself out of bed)

Get kids out of the door. Breakfast….. important to eat well… and medication/supplements.

Shower, hair and makeup… good for morale.

SAD LAMP.. catch up with emails or read.

Plan what dinner is going to be and even get it ready, so that I’m not trying to do it if unexpected child-collecting trips etc happen later on.

Laundry in. Quick kitchen tidy. Brush the loo when I’m in the bathroom.

Food shop is done on the internet when I’m not coping well, though I do try and go out, as it’s good to get out.

I have some things planned, but don’t beat myself up about it if I don’t feel like going,

Just out of interest,have you been able to go back to work Ivy?

Hi everyone,
I have a "things I do to help myself" list:
1) Light therapy at least once a day (twice once the clocks go back)
2)Meds
3)Daily multivitamin and high strength Omega 3
4)Swing Roc (modern jive)dancing at least once a week (FANTASTIC!!!)
5)Daylight every day by having lunch in canteen conservatory if at work (or going out)
6) pamper time: I book a monthly facial (very relaxing and anxiety busting, therapist understand my SAD)
7)Holiday to sunny place in November (my worst month---going soon wehey!)
8)Buy flowers for house weekly to pretend it is spring.
9)Live in conservatory on my days off to maximise my exposure to natural light.
10) Husband who instinctively gives me extra TLC when needed and leaves me alone when needed (couldn't manage without him looking after me in winter)
11)Avoid stressful situations and work stress by trying to plan ahead as much as possible to do hard/stressful stuff in spring/summer and ease up in autumn winter (whenever possible, can't control those unexpected things).
12)Dawn simulator: no scary jolting awake in the dark.
13)The understanding of family, friends and work colleagues who keep an eye on me, look after me and make sure I don't hibernate.
14) Writing lists of "things I do to help myself" (I've cheered myself up now).

Not going too bad at the mo, been to the gym this morning and yesterday morning - up at 06.00 (ouch!) but it is so worth it. Just 10 mins on rowing machine and 10 mins on exercise bike does wonders. Got an interview at a playgroup today so hopefully i'll be able to quit my admin job 2moz lol! Wish me luck xxx

Mine are:

1. To get a light box

2. To change jobs - i'm hoping to start working for as a sales rep for an equine feed company. Far more my thing!

3. To do more exercise during the winter - even if it's just a 10 min walk each day.

4. To stick to a good diet and take a good multivitamin supplement.

5. To plan and stick to a good sleep pattern.

hi all
this is my first visit here. I have been researching body clocks and light boxes. I feel terrible.No energy or enthusiasm for life, could sleep forever and hate myself for feeling this way. I saw my G.P yesterday but don't want to take the suggested route of a.d's.I currently take good multi vits and minerals but see some of you recommend omega three, have you had any improvements? I usually feel down in the winter and have a definate change of mood but this year seems alot worse much earlier I am also having much worse PMT, is it connected? Look forward to hearing from some of you. Simone

Hi Simone and welcome...

Kirsty, I imagine you don't need me to remind you that this time of year is really not the time to be making big decisions about your life. Take it easy on yourself won't you?

Hi there.

I empathise completely with the work related stuff - I started a new job in April (seemed like a great idea then!) now I'm starting to wonder if I can actually hack it at this time of year (targets targets, so I can't really drop a gear) Haven't talked to my boss about the SAD thing yet so I've no idea what sort of response I'll get.

Love the "positive stuff to do" lists, just a little push in the right direction helps.

I've been reading these posts on & off for a couple of years & just got it together to contribute - wanted to say thanks 2 you all - it makes a difference knowing I'm not the only one!