January wouldn’t be January without setting new goals and dreary, cold days. Once the holidays have passed the urge to create resolutions is very popular, almost regardless of any intention to keep them. It’s also a month better known for hibernation than high energy and motivation. For most of us, it takes a lot of energy to reach new goals and if SAD is an issue for you then it can be even more frustrating for you to make and keep resolutions.
No worries – you can succeed! There are no reasons that should be keeping you from making and reaching your goals. It’s all about how you approach them. The best tip for gaining ground toward any resolution is to START SMALL. The phrase “you must walk before you can run” holds truth. Trying to overhaul a new lifestyle is absolutely do-able…if you go at it in small bits.
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) can make it very hard to function during the cold, dark months; let alone feel good enough to keep resolutions. If you are craving carbohydrate foods more and feeling more socially withdrawn than usual you might have SAD. A good dose of sunlight is the most popular solution; however, there are a couple additional ways to boost your mood. Make sure that you are eating enough protein in your diet because it will support the body’s serotonin uptake. (Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood.) Soybeans are an excellent source of protein. Exercise is also great because it will release endorphins. (More neurotransmitters that create a good feeling in the body) Taking a brisk walk can do the trick. Both of these therapies will not only help with SAD but also be great ways to support any healthy resolutions you might have made. Of course, see your doctor if there is not any improvement soon.
Any time is a great time to make a resolution, it doesn’t have to be January 1st. Improving yourself will make it easier for you to do great things for the people you love and the community around you. Being successful is all about the approach. Remember to start small, be persistent, seek solutions for possible obstacles and you can be successful. -trvw
I have to say, first off I don’t agree with SAD. There are so many created ‘diseases’ nowadays, it seems that sociaty builds itself up on excuses so as to not accept responsibility for their so called misfortunes, or outcomes in their lives, daily living etc. I sound cold and harsh, but that is because I have grown tired of all the ‘disease’ making for every single thing poeple feel (and then use as a crutch to excuse themselves for not doing something they should or having done something they should have NOT!)
SAD, ADD, ADHD… whatever! Accept that you need to take care of yourself, be responsible for YOUR actions, and the outcomes. Don’t blame acronyms for it and rely on drugs & meds to “cure” your disease or offer relief for your symptoms. As you mention in your piece: The phrase “you must walk before you can run” holds truth. is ABSOLUTELY accurate. But you don’t have tomake up an excuse. If you’ve been or spend to much time indoors, get out! If you are gaining weight and carbs are the culprit along with your sedentary, hibernated lifestye, then have SELF-CONTROL and STOP eating those muffins, and doughnuts, and breads OR learn to eat in moderation. Then everytime you feel that you THINK you are hungry, DRINK WATER and go for a walk, or ride a bike! No SADness here. Just action! ACTION! LIVE YOUR LIFE, IT’S THE ONLY ONE YOU HAVE. THEN STOP RELYING ON THE ACRONYM FINDER TO MAKE UP NEW EXCUSES FOR WHY YOUR ARE SO HUMDRUM, LACKING ENERGY AND FAT!