to get some exposure to the sun. Even as little as 20 minutes can help our bodies cope. [ use sunscreen ]. There are also special lights that can be used for 30 minutes a day. These lights are 30 times greater than the common indoor light.

Vitamins and minerals are essential. All the nutrients we need are not

As the days grow shorter, I am forced to acknowledge the descent of my mood. Although the peak of this syndrome of mild depression is a couple of months away, I am all too aware that it will indeed happen. This syndrome is called S.A.D - Seasonal Affective Disorder. It's not just "all in our heads". It is a very real, physiological and emotional event.

Researchers suspect that S.A.D. is caused by lack of sunlight, which interrupts the circadian rhythm, our internal clock. It has been noted that people in the northern regions, such as Alaska, have more incidences of depression in the winter.

As this dark season progresses I have something of a different perspective regarding the cold , dark, grey coming months. The spiritual path I embrace allows me to see the winter months as a necessary part of a cycle which promotes regeneration and rebirth. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. We can then see the days grow longer and anticipate the coming of Spring. The cycle of death and rebirth is again apparent and simulates our own cycle of death and rebirth.

In light of the different attitude and perspective, there are also things we can do physically to alleviate some of our seasonal dark moods.

When possible , try to get some exposure to the sun. Even as little as 20 minutes can help our bodies cope. [ use sunscreen ]. There are also special lights that can be used for 30 minutes a day. These lights are 30 times greater than the common indoor light.

Vitamins and minerals are essential. All the nutrients we need are not

al, physiological and emotional event.

Researchers suspect that S.A.D. is caused by lack of sunlight, which interrupts the circadian rhythm, our internal clock. It has been noted that people in the northern regions, such as Alaska, have more incidences of depression in the winter.

As this dark season progresses I have something of a different perspective regarding the cold , dark, grey coming months. The spiritual path I embrace allows me to see the winter months as a necessary part of a cycle which promotes regeneration and rebirth. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. We can then see the days grow longer and anticipate the coming of Spring. The cycle of death and rebirth is again apparent and simulates our own cycle of death and rebirth.

In light of the different attitude and perspective, there are also things we can do physically to alleviate some of our seasonal dark moods.

When possible , try to get some exposure to the sun. Even as little as 20 minutes can help our bodies cope. [ use sunscreen ]. There are also special lights that can be used for 30 minutes a day. These lights are 30 times greater than the common indoor light.

Vitamins and minerals are essential. All the nutrients we need are not

ogresses I have something of a different perspective regarding the cold , dark, grey coming months. The spiritual path I embrace allows me to see the winter months as a necessary part of a cycle which promotes regeneration and rebirth. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. We can then see the days grow longer and anticipate the coming of Spring. The cycle of death and rebirth is again apparent and simulates our own cycle of death and rebirth.

In light of the different attitude and perspective, there are also things we can do physically to alleviate some of our seasonal dark moods.

When possible , try to get some exposure to the sun. Even as little as 20 minutes can help our bodies cope. [ use sunscreen ]. There are also special lights that can be used for 30 minutes a day. These lights are 30 times greater than the common indoor light.

Vitamins and minerals are essential. All the nutrients we need are not

w longer and anticipate the coming of Spring. The cycle of death and rebirth is again apparent and simulates our own cycle of death and rebirth.

In light of the different attitude and perspective, there are also things we can do physically to alleviate some of our seasonal dark moods.

When possible , try to get some exposure to the sun. Even as little as 20 minutes can help our bodies cope. [ use sunscreen ]. There are also special lights that can be used for 30 minutes a day. These lights are 30 times greater than the common indoor light.

Vitamins and minerals are essential. All the nutrients we need are not

to get some exposure to the sun. Even as little as 20 minutes can help our bodies cope. [ use sunscreen ]. There are also special lights that can be used for 30 minutes a day. These lights are 30 times greater than the common indoor light.

Vitamins and minerals are essential. All the nutrients we need are not in the foods we eat, even if we are eating healthily. Alot of the nutrients have been leeched out of the soil, by over-use of the soil where our food is grown, so vitamin supplements, in my opinion, are necessary. Vitamin D is essential. This can be found in supplements and some Vitamin D enriched foods.

Exercise is a wonderful mood elevator. It releases the " feel good " chemicals in our bodies, such as endorphins and Serotonin. If you have ever done strenuous exercise, you know what I mean. After some particularly strenuous sessions, I have actually felt " high ".

Lastly, but not least, the cold and the weather keeps us inside, so that socializing can really lift our spirits. Get together with family or friends, at least once a week. Humans are social creatures. We are made to bond with other humans.

All these adjuncts assist us to cope with the winter months, but the quiet of the winter can also be a time to reflect, and meditate. Thoughts of renewal, recycling, fresh energy can bolster our determination to reach our goals, as Father Sun waxes. 11/26/06 Dale Morrison