Preparing for More Sheltering in Place: Creating a Mental Wellness Routine for a S.A.D. Winter

 I don’t recall the first time S.A.D. was activated in me, but I would bet money that it was the first winter I lived on the East Coast. I grew up in Houston, Texas where wearing flip flops around late fall and “winter” was the norm during 70-degree sunny November, December and January days. Exposure to the sun was regular and welcomed. So when I relocated in my early 20s to a state where white winters are a thing, I was not prepared for the Vitamin D I would lose or the depression that would creep up like fog. You should know that I hate the cold with a passion; I socialize far less, except for on holidays, and engage in laying down more and more due to a lack of interest in activities that would normally spark mine.

When the temperature drops below 65 (Fahrenheit) there is an uncomfortable chill deep within my bones that causes irritation, lack of concentration and continual longing to withdraw into warm, cozy spaces to recuperate alone. Obviously giving into the desire to isolate exacerbates the impact that the weather has on my mental health. It has only been in the last few years that I identified that I need to take Vitamin D from October through March — which is a long time! But it’s what I need to keep myself from sinking into bed all day. I now think of taking vitamins as a form of self care.

As various news outlets report the threat of the “most difficult” COVID-19 wave is fast approaching (if it is not already here), surprisingly I am not worried about getting through the long stretch. Here’s why…
After some intense and revealing conversations, that some would categorize as full blown arguments, became more prevalent in my relationship during the initial shelter in place order I decided to take inventory of how I was contributing to the problem. (What I learned will be revealed in forthcoming story — stay tuned.) In taking inventory I recognized I had to create some boundaries and structure for myself to better cope with the desire to gain control in an uncontrollable period that has no end in sight, for now. Some of things I started to do and will continue to do involve creating a daily routine for myself.

Since May here are four things I now do daily are:
1. Get dressed for work and opening the blinds
2. Exercise outdoors for at least one hour (before or after work)
3. Showering
4. Creative time

Each of these things has helped me to regain and keep my sanity. I like knowing what is going to happen next or what is coming up. There was no way many of us could have predicted that 2020 would be the Year of Corona. There are so much beyond the control of the average human, so I made the decision to focus on what I can control and these things make me feel safe and at peace.

Getting dressed creates structure for me and makes me feel better to change clothes 3 times a day — work attire, workout clothes, and pajamas. Doing that alone made a huge impact on how I feel about working and living in the same space. Yes, I put on shoes too when I’m working. It also helps that I designated a work area that is only used during work hours. I like to light candles while working as well — a relaxing bonus I would not be able to bring to the work building.

Exercising obviously helps to relieve stress, but walking outdoors allows me to witness the beauty of nature, absorb sunlight and breath fresh air. It also helps getting in at least 15,000 steps a day to make up for the lack of movement. I no longer feel trapped in my home. As it gets colder I am planning to walk inside and take breaks outside for fresh air. I have already created a YouTube “sweat it out” playlist.

Perhaps you are wondering why I wasn’t showering daily pre-Rona. Well I have sensitive skin due to an auto immune disorder that is easily aggravated by unnatural soaps. So for the past 10 plus years I have showered 3 to 4 times a week to minimize painful breakouts. Thankfully I have found a natural soap that for now does not upset my skin with regular use *fingers crossed*, which is why I have been able to literally wash the day away after I workout. There is a sense of calm and comfort that warm water brings and I am grateful, whether I take a 5 or 20 minute shower.

Lastly, I was missing expressing myself creatively. For some reason those periods came naturally before #quarantine, but now I carve out time each day to listen to, read or produce something that is related to my hobbies. Having a creative outlet is something I can do indoors all year long, so here’s to hoping that I can keep myself happily occupied during this uncertain season.

Play: Here Comes the Sun — The Beatles

Have you incorporated some new or brought back old routines now that you are spending more time inside?