It may seem a bit premature to be talking about the winter blues as we welcome this beautiful season of autumn. Yet, over the years, I have learned that many people dread autumn because the gradual shortening of daylight reminds them of what is just around the corner. It’s a sense of impending doom even before anything happens.
What if this year could be different?
Well, with a new understanding from an energetic perspective, perhaps we can move through the seasons with grace and ease.
Healing Touch views every season of the year, and every season of our lives, from an energetic, holistic perspective. The four primary aspects of our energy system include the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. In the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder, as daylight shortens, changes in serotonin and melatonin levels may result in a variety of physical symptoms including lethargy, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in appetite. Depression and irritability are often experienced at the emotional level. If you feel dread in the fall, it could indicate an imbalance in the mental layer of your energy field caused by memories of SAD in the past. Spiritually, you may feel less connected with your sense of purpose, losing interest in activities that once provided a sense of meaning and joy.
The good news is that Healing Touch sessions can be a tremendous help. After we establish mutual goals and intentions, I assess your energy field, and use my hands to clear heavy, stagnant energy and provide balance in your energy system. Clients often report feeling lighter, more energized, more motivated, more hopeful.
Each session ends with a discussion of what you can do to extend the effectiveness of the session. For example, by establishing healthy eating and exercise habits and practicing energy techniques on yourself, you can be empowered to continue on the path of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Here are four simple things you can to do prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder this fall and winter:
Get moving
Go for a brisk, 15-minute walk, practice yoga, or dance to your favorite music to get your body moving and help clear away the doldrums.
Reduce stress
Taking time to focus on breathwork, listening to a guided imagery CD, or practicing qigong can do wonders for calming your responses to stress.
Watch what you say!
Our attitude and the words we use have an energetic charge and can literally feed into the doom and gloom or direct us towards wonderful possibilities. Using affirmations are a great way to reinforce a positive attitude about life.
Embrace the extended hours of darkness Darkness can have a good side. Use this time to go inside, go within, to a place of quiet meditation, prayer, or contemplation. Learning the Self Chakra Connection can be a great support.
These are just a few suggestions that address the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges often encountered with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
I encourage you to be proactive this year! Address SAD before it hits. Although sunlight may be waning for the next few months, there is much we can do to encourage our inner light to shine.
