Here you go @Joyce Goldenlily... Taken this afternoon in Ipswich... Proof spring is on its way! Even if the local stray cats have been rolling in it! 😀
I enjoyed reading all your posts, thank you for this topic. I have one that I bought years ago but was not constant with it. After reading this thread I shall have another go, mine isn't certified or anything though. I am taking masses of vit D (prescribed by reumatologist), it took almost two years to go back to acceptable levels in my blood. Not doing much for mental health though.
The view from our windows encompasses a semi-circle of hills and sky. The overlapping folds of the hills appear as low steps. On the shortest day the sun rises in the middle of the third step and every day thereafter it slowly progresses up the steps towards the east.
We don't get to see sunset directly but it is often reflected on the hillsides.
My bedroom curtains are never closed, so I have only to glance out of the window to get a clear measure of whereabouts in the year we are, unless we are under low cloud.
It is somehow very grounding and reassuring to watch and my sleep/wake pattern mirrors the seasons, so I feel part of it all.
Thank you WonkyWomble. How cheerful is that? Lovely. I also enjoy reading Gardening porn books cochinnella. I have had to part with boxes full of my much-loved books, no roon for them since moving down to Cornwall. It was like parting with old friends. I still have quite a few though.
I found new baby buds on my rose bushes and salvias yesterday, and this morning it is quite bright and DRY! Blowing a hooley and much colder so killing off some bugs hopefully. I am enjoying my bush of winter flowering honeysuckle at the moment. I planted it by my back gate so I pass it every day. The flowers remind me of twinkling stars and the perfume is wonderful, so worth the wait. I am very lucky to be a fairly positive-minded kind of person and try to find something to enjoy each day, even if it is only a single blackberry flower or like yesterday, I spotted a daisy in flower near the cricket wicket area on my soggy walk with the dog. It would have had its head cut off sharpish if the ground was not so wet it cannot be mown at present. The cricket field is under water at the moment so we slosh around on it.
I have decided to order a SAD light to give it a go, a bit late for this winter really but I shall be interested to see if it makes a difference. Even if it is only a placebo, in my mind and imagination, I am not filling my system with artificial drugs etc.
I must get back into the routine of doing one job from my extremely long "to do" list each day. Yesterday I spent a few minutes taking down the string ties in the greenhouse. It was quite cosy in there, listening to the rain hammering do outside while I fiddled, I had forgotten to take the scissors with me, I only went down the garden to put some dead flowers on the compost heap but was distracted by tomatoes
I have a very large Light box Diamond 2. It virtually lights up a room when switched on. I certainly didn't pay the price they want for them now. I haven't bothered with it this winter as I could never say whether it helped in any way. I have had it for years. Maybe I should get it out again. Used to put it on first thing in the morning for about an hour. It is useful for lighting up a dark corner when decorating or cleaning but that was not the reason why I bought it! You are not the only one @Joyce Goldenlily with a very long "to do" list. Mine never seems to get any shorter. That is just in the house whereas what will need doing in my allotment/garden will be an even longer list come the Spring.
My SAD lamp has arrived so I am now waiting to feel like leaping and frolicking with the New Year lambs. Or not. It is difficult to tell if the lamp will make a difference as I had a very enjoyable lunch out on Friday, with good company, and a good beach walk on Sat. which I am sure has lifted my spirits. I treated myself to a fish and chip lunch on the way home so no cooking or washing up. My neighbour knocked and gave me half a dozen of her eggs so a lovely couple of days.
I used to have a SAD light (Phillips maybe? A proper one) years ago. It helped me in the winters I used it. I sold the light due to traveling and selling almost all my belongings and haven't bought another one since as I changed other things instead:
I take vitamin D, originally all year and after years I now only need it about Sept-March.
Especially for the SAD we bought a house with a south facing living room.
It helps if I can get outside in the morning either for a walk or just in the garden. Apparently the closer to sunrise the better for reducing SAD - but that rarely happens! Also early morning exercise is supposed to be very good for it.
I have a daylight bulb in the living room centre light which I have on during winter daytimes which makes a big difference too. Yes, not as directly focused as a specific SAD light but it is on all day so a smaller effect over a longer time.
Having curtains open before waking up helps (but requires either a helpful partner or leaving them open all night).
Those are all other things you could consider and might help as well as your light. Good luck and I hope you feel better with it!
Like many of these things there is good evidence that they do help some people but not all. You can't beat getting outside into daylight for at least 30 mins in the morning but if that's not possible then one of the lights can help. I used a daylight simulation light as an alarm clock when I was working and it's a much nicer way to wake up than being jolted by a raucous buzzer or bell. I don't suffer in the way my brother did, but like most people I find it difficult to get going on dull grey days. If you recognise the fact you can find ways to manage it.
Posts
Here you go @Joyce Goldenlily... Taken this afternoon in Ipswich... Proof spring is on its way! Even if the local stray cats have been rolling in it! 😀
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1rKKGPQlWBsb0FHgBSM7QFw/can-sad-lamps-and-wake-up-lights-help-boost-your-mood
I am taking masses of vit D (prescribed by reumatologist), it took almost two years to go back to acceptable levels in my blood. Not doing much for mental health though.
Luxembourg
https://www.suntoday.org/sunrise-sunset/2023/january.html
I love looking at "positive" tables like this. Gardening books' porn also helps a little
Luxembourg
I also enjoy reading Gardening porn books cochinnella. I have had to part with boxes full of my much-loved books, no roon for them since moving down to Cornwall. It was like parting with old friends. I still have quite a few though.
I found new baby buds on my rose bushes and salvias yesterday, and this morning it is quite bright and DRY! Blowing a hooley and much colder so killing off some bugs hopefully.
I am enjoying my bush of winter flowering honeysuckle at the moment. I planted it by my back gate so I pass it every day. The flowers remind me of twinkling stars and the perfume is wonderful, so worth the wait.
I am very lucky to be a fairly positive-minded kind of person and try to find something to enjoy each day, even if it is only a single blackberry flower or like yesterday, I spotted a daisy in flower near the cricket wicket area on my soggy walk with the dog. It would have had its head cut off sharpish if the ground was not so wet it cannot be mown at present. The cricket field is under water at the moment so we slosh around on it.
I have decided to order a SAD light to give it a go, a bit late for this winter really but I shall be interested to see if it makes a difference. Even if it is only a placebo, in my mind and imagination, I am not filling my system with artificial drugs etc.
You are not the only one @Joyce Goldenlily with a very long "to do" list. Mine never seems to get any shorter. That is just in the house whereas what will need doing in my allotment/garden will be an even longer list come the Spring.
It is difficult to tell if the lamp will make a difference as I had a very enjoyable lunch out on Friday, with good company, and a good beach walk on Sat. which I am sure has lifted my spirits. I treated myself to a fish and chip lunch on the way home so no cooking or washing up. My neighbour knocked and gave me half a dozen of her eggs so a lovely couple of days.
I take vitamin D, originally all year and after years I now only need it about Sept-March.
Especially for the SAD we bought a house with a south facing living room.
It helps if I can get outside in the morning either for a walk or just in the garden. Apparently the closer to sunrise the better for reducing SAD - but that rarely happens! Also early morning exercise is supposed to be very good for it.
I have a daylight bulb in the living room centre light which I have on during winter daytimes which makes a big difference too. Yes, not as directly focused as a specific SAD light but it is on all day so a smaller effect over a longer time.
Having curtains open before waking up helps (but requires either a helpful partner or leaving them open all night).
Those are all other things you could consider and might help as well as your light. Good luck and I hope you feel better with it!