Lightbox-tastic!

Hi All,

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the kind comments since I joined this site a couple of weeks ago.
My lightbox is working a treat - I start work really early in the mornings (approx. 6.30) so it goes on then and stays on til around 11am, until the sun (if it appears)comes around into our building. I was fortunate to be the one to arrange our current office layout, so I made sure I got a window seat. You gotta think of yourself sometimes!

I really want to encourage those who are suffering, so I've come up with a list of the things I do to help myself. I'm sure you've heard them all before but here goes:

1. Try and get yourself as much light as possible, whether it be through a box, or being outdoors to feel the sun or daylight on your face.
2. A set sleep routine always helps. I get up around 5.15am every day (I know, I'm bonkers!) so I need to go to bed at 9.30pm at the latest. Any later and I'm a mess the following day. I try only to lie-in until around 7am at the weekends too.
3. NEVER miss an opportunity for some 'Me time'. A soak in a hot bath, listening to music, reading a book, or just some quiet time alone can make the world of difference to my mood.
4. Exercise works a treat for me - and my hubby encourages me, which is great for those days when you just don't feel like it (i.e. almost every day!). I tend to go on the treadmill for about 20-25 minutes when I get home from work, and it also helps me sleep tremendously well.
5. Surround yourself with people who understand, including friends, doctors, therapists, etc. Now is not the time to be hanging around sceptics - you need people who will be there for a chat, a hug, a shoulder to cry on, etc. Whether or not you use them is by the by - as long as you FEEL they will be there when you need them.
6. Finally, when all else fails, I know I can start the meds again. It's better than the alternative, as we know all too well.

Thanks again to everyone - I realise I'm lucky not be suffering as much as some of you, but hang in there - Spring will come around sooner than you think.

Best wishes,
Mrs Stan
xxx