Are You Feeling Blah?
 Hi Friend,
Sometimes, there are weeks in which many of my clients seem to be dealing with a similar challenge. For the past week, that challenge can best be described as "The Blahs."
It's not that things are falling apart, but stress and overwhelm are kicking in for what seems like no particular reason. More than anything, people are feeling tired, bored, and just kinda "blah."
Since this is a recurring theme in my coaching, and I have to admit I've felt it a bit myself, too, I can only conclude one thing: this inexplicable blah feeling is a result of season changes.
While not all of us suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression often brought on by winter), adults with ADD are more neurologically sensitive than most. So small changes in our environment can have big effects on our mood.
Since the start of Daylight Savings Time this past weekend, the days are already much shorter and, for many of us, the temperatures have dropped significantly. The loss of daylight hours alone is enough to make an ADDer feel sluggish, tired, and moody. In other words: blah.
Slowing down in fall and winter is actually quite normal and natural, just as it's natural to feel more energy in the spring and summer. Rather than beating yourself up over feeling "blah," why not give yourself permission to slow down a bit? If you don't feel up to going out as much, or taking on too many projects, don't push yourself. If you find yourself getting tired earlier in the evening, get some extra sleep.
Humans, like all animals, are programmed to take our cues from nature. So when the sun goes down early, the animals begin to hibernate, and many of the plants around us go dormant, it's natural for us to want to slow down, too.
Of course, if at any point you find yourself wanting to sleep all the time or feel extreme sadness or hopelessness, then you may be depressed and it's important to talk to your doctor.
For most of us, however, the seasonal blahs will visit us every year around this time.
Instead of pushing yourself to be productive and beating yourself up because you're not getting as much done as you were a month ago, try putting your energy into cooking nourishing meals, enjoying good books, and catching up on the movies you want to see.
I'm willing to bet that when you take the pressure off, those seasonal blahs will begin to fade.
How do you manage the seasonal blahs? Share your thoughts on my blog at http://www.experiencingaddvantages.com/2009/11/feeling-blah.html#comments
Need a Good Book to Curl Up With?
 Every year, I find the colder weather makes me want to curl up and read a book. If you're like me, and you're looking for a good book to read, then why not pick up a copy of my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD?
The book was featured on The TODAY Show earlier this year and has already helped over 3,000 ADDers.
Here is just one 5-star customer review from Amazon.com:
"Absolutely the best book I have read on dealing with adult ADD and all the ups and downs and little perks we all have. Jennifer gave me great hope and encouragement for the future in all ways. I would highly highly recommend this book to others struggling with this disorder."
To pick up your copy, visit http://www.odd-one-out.net!
Have a relaxing weekend!
P.S. Remember: It's natural to want to slow down when the days get shorter and the temperature drops. Don't beat yourself up for it! |
