Seasonal Affective Disorder really sucks

….that’s pretty obvious, is it not?

So, I wanted to crawl into a hole last winter.  In March, I pretty much *did* crawl into a hole.  I’m going to do my best this year to head this thing off at the pass.  Or at least keep it at bay.

One weird thing that I did last year is make it worse.  I did not let myself think I was depressed or even bummed out.  I’m a big advocate of “fake it ’til you make it”  or just pretending that I’m not depressed.  Last year, I kind of went way beyond that.  I was in total denial.  I can really be a stubborn jackass sometimes.

So with it being nearly the darkest day of the year, I feel I need to make a SAD Mission Statement.  I am going to do my best to prevent/minimize it this year. Which is a lame Mission Statement. But I’m gonna go with it.

However, I’m going to get all SMART on my objectives.  (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant & Time Bound for those of you not grooving with the corporate speak acronyms)

1.  Exercise at least 3 times per week.  Which means at least 30 minutes sustained aerobic activity.  And extra is a bonus.

2.  Go outside at least one time per day.  If it’s sunny I have to be outside for at least 30 minutes.

3.  Schedule!  Which I am loathe to do.  So I’ll go easy on myself. A. Eating, even a little bit, three times a day.  B. Taking my meds every morning.  Stating any more than would not be attainable.

4. Let my creativity go crazy.  I have to let the kookieness out.  Write, draw, paint, craft, wonder, jam, dance, hoop all that I can.  Commit to a creative pursuit once a day, even it if is something as small as doodling.

So there it is.  I am such a Virgo about my stuff.  (shout out to @laurlaur226)