S.A.D.

I am sad to report that Eva has officially been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Here are the official details about SAD:

With winter just around the corner, daylight hours are dwindling along with the upbeat energy that many people feel naturally during the summer months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects an estimated half a million people in the United States alone, who feel lethargic, grouchy and depressed during the winter months. Women are four times as likely to suffer from SAD than men, and the onset of the condition typically occurs after age 20. The incidence of SAD increases as you move north, where the change in daylight hours from summer to winter is most drastic. While there is no confirmed cause, SAD is believed to be triggered by a biochemical imbalance in the brain that regulates our sleep, mood and appetite. Daylight prompts the release of serotonin, an important brain neurotransmitter. Experts hypothesize that serotonin levels drop in the winter months, thereby affecting a wide range of body functions. At the same time, the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone believed to activate the sleep process, increases, resulting in the following symptoms of SAD:
— Weight gain
— Cravings for sweet and/or starchy foods
— Fatigue
— A tendency to sleep longer
— Difficulty concentrating
— Irritability
— Avoidance of social situations
— Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
— Weakened immune system
— Depression

Fortunately, says Jazzercise CEO Judi Sheppard Missett, you can alleviate many symptoms of SAD with the following prevention strategies:
— Get outside during daylight hours. Research indicates that a 60-minute walk in winter sunlight is equivalent to 2 1/2 hours under bright artificial light.
— Maximize your exposure to natural light. Sit by the window. Open your curtains. Paint your walls in bright colors that reflect the light.
— Get a good night’s sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at approximately the same times every day. Establish a bedtime ritual, such as stretching, taking a warm bath or reading, which allows you to relax and settle in for the night.
— Eat smart. Load up on fruits and veggies, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Try to avoid processed foods that are high in refined flours and added sugars.
— Plan a mid-winter get away to a sunny climate. Breaking up the tedium of winter can do wonders for your mood.
— Seek counseling and/or light therapy if your symptoms are particularly difficult.
— Get plenty of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is particularly effective for elevating mood and relieving stress, and exercising as part of a group can provide valuable social interaction.

I seem to be stuck with the "doesn't want to get her booty out of bed" symptom. There are several things that are killing me right now:
1. The sun doesn't seem to come out any more. At 7am I looked out the window and it was still dark. I got home tonight at 7:30pm and it was already dark. What happened to daylight?!
2. I'm sick of these half cloudy days. Rain, dang it!

In other exciting news, I cut/colored my hair today! I went with my winter brown, some new layers and bangs. Here are some rough pics (I'll have better ones from my performance this weekend). I still say I have the best hairdresser in the world. Not only does he tell me that I'm beautiful (what girl doesn't love that?) but he brought me breadsticks and a glass of wine! Now, THAT'S a haircut!