SAD- it is a real thing

Seasonal Affect Disorder, or SAD for short, is a real thing and most commonly experienced by people during the winter months. Sunlight exposure becomes limited. Unfortunately simply increasing sunlight exposure does not solve this problem during the winter months. Depression can be triggered by an entire cycle of events that is changed when the days become shorter. The brain's internal interpretation of sunlight becomes out of sync and can have effects on energy, sleep, hormones, and appetite. Think of it as your internal clock. If you recall many of these are factors that play into the criteria for being diagnosed with depression. The time that is spent outside has become less, for example: playing video games, business hours, work, etc. Historically people spent more time outside and being provided natural sunlight exposure. Nowadays we have to be a little more strategic. Resetting our natural rhythm does not require hours of natural sunlight, however being inside for most of the sunlight period during the winters makes it challenging to get the necessary exposure to manage this need.

A great way to manage this need is to add some extra outside time and soak up the good old sunlight. Even on cloudy days some time outside can improve mood through sunlight exposure. Setting aside some time to be outside can be part of your morning routine, prayer, evening walks before it gets dark, 10 minute breaks at work, lunchtime, standing by a window with sunlight exposure. One of the things that comes with managing depression is the opportunity to be creative in how you can apply these tips to your daily life. Make it fun, enjoyable.

Scripture:

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of the life."

1 John 1:5

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Questions:

How can you use both the physical sunlight and the spiritual light of God as a way to manage depressive symptoms?

What would setting aside time to be in the sunlight do for you both spiritually and physically?

Prayer:

Lord, you are the light of the world and you call me to you every second, minute, hour of the day. Lord I know that there are times that I live in darkness and that I am kept away from you because of these pains, I reach out to you now as I should always to love me, hold, and lead me closer to you and your light. Help me and others leave the darkness of the world behind and come follow you to your glory. Amen.