SAD-or Seasonal Affective Disorder is extremely common during seasonal patterns, most appropriately associated with longer months of darkness and also colder months. I believe it first appeared in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders) in connection with a form of depression in the DSM-5 version (I dont have the most recent version).
I bring this up because this is a universal issue that is widespread across all continents. Different places may have different names for it and offer an assortment of treatment options. Most people that supper from it dont even know they have this disorder at all. It is because they dont suffer from the long-term effects of depression, major depression or clinical depression but rather feel the symptoms come and go often as the weather changes.
As I have posted on here before, mental health is extremely important and one of the biggest areas I advocate for. If you want to cast spells and rituals, they are only going to be as effective as your mental health is, so poor mental stability, poor spell casting performances equals zero to little results from your efforts. So, how do we fight this issue? Start by understanding your individual situation. Understand the geographical location and the climate changes associated with where you live. You dont have to experience 4 seasons throughout the year to be affected by this. Changes in temperature, daylight hours or even the cycle of earths rotation can all have adverse effects on you individually. It comes down to your sensitivity and how well connected you are to the environment and your surroundings.
One of the easiest methods at combating this disorder is natural sunlight. If you are unable to get natural sunlight, say you live in a region where you only have full daylight 6 months out of the year, you can purchase a SAD light, which is artificial lighting. Just having 10-15 minutes of exposure to this light can improve your Vitamin D levels drastically. This is a key component in feeling tired or lethargic. If you find you are easily tired and lazy and not be motivated, it may be lack of vitamin D. You can also take an over-the-counter vitamin supplement (check with your doctor prior to starting any medications-even supplements).
In regions where the climate is colder, doing daily stretches or exercises are an excellent way to keep your body rejuvenated. I support yoga or tai chi movements which all can be basic and simple ways to stretch and maintain a healthy circulation of your body. Mentally this will help give you that freedom ability to move about whereas the cold may restrict your usually outdoor activities for a while.
Meditation is another method, which can be custom tailored to your personal style of grounding work (see the multitude of threads regarding grounding techniques and work) Meditation can be deep breathing exercises, crystal work and energy transfer work. I find that any method in which you are focused and concentrated on your inner health, it is beneficial to your overall health.
I post this as we approach the winter solstice/Yule. While this can be a celebratory time for many, it is also a time where many feel the pull of depression. Look after yourselves and others and check in often on those you care about.
Wishing you all a happy Yule, and hopefully these techniques can help you muddle through somehow.
~Kaurora
Wonderful information Kaurora! SAD is indeed commonly overlooked by people who feel a lack of energy or motivation. Especially during the winter months. Most often being passed off as "Well everyone feels lazy this time of year."
Our bodies regulate their cycles by the cycles around us, especially the day-night cycle. Hormone production and use, circadian rhythms, even sex-drive and the immune system are affected. Naturally, the severity/sensitivity is individual, and can be either nullified or made worse depending on life habits, rest habits, and diet. So it still takes some consideration and critical thinking. Or, best option, engaging a certified professional about it if things are difficult to manage.
There are things one can try first though, like Kaurora mentioned. Examining your access to sunlight (sitting in an office three rooms removed from a window doesn't count), access to vitamin D, proper rest, reasonable physical activity, and getting a full-spectrum light all contribute to having a brighter (pun intended) winter season.
