What a Difference the Sun Makes!

This has been one of the most active and satisfying weekends I've had in quite some time! I am hear to tell you that seasonal depression is real! I feel like I've just woken up from a sedated state or something.

While I am from the Northeast and no stranger to cold or a blizzard, I've lived the last five years of my life in South Florida. I do love the summer - I always have. I've never felt like its too hot or humid; I just love the heat. But I spent my five years in Florida lobbying for a return to winter. I just needed to relocate back to Washington, DC. Professionally, personally, for my family, I was absolutely convinced that DC was what we needed.

So in April 2012, when I got a job in Alexandria, VA, I thought I'd hit the jackpot! As I look back on the last year, I am convinced that professionally, personally and for my family, moving was the right thing, with one exception - winter.

I was prepared for the cold. I knew I'd need winter clothes and I'd have to look beyond a park or pool for Myki's entertainment. What I was not at all prepared for was the sad...and the lethargic. I don't know that it had ever affected me so severely before! Before winter, I was working out almost daily. I had not only lost weight, but I felt strong. I was eating well, feeling sexy, making plans and hanging out, staying up past 10 pm. It was great.

Then comes the cold and the shorter days and I felt like a whiney, sleepy, unfocused mess. I'm pretty sure I had a two week period in there when I didn't wash my hair. I literally went to work in a messy bun every day for two weeks. I was just not prepared for the emotional ramifications of darkness and cold.

I am so excited about Spring and Summer and plan on stocking up on sunlight and outside time while I can!

I've been told that working out, going outside during lunch and even the tanning salon can combat the winter blues. Do you have any tips for avoiding the sad?? I need a game plan come November!