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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 5, 2007)
R. L ¿aaz Don't Be S.A.D. A proactive approach to beating wintertime gloom his is the time of year that many have come to rely on artificial means, such as gyms, to “stay afloat” mentally and physi cally. If your energy level is dropping faster than the leaves, these means become necessity, but there are also many overlooked natural remedies available to help us adapt. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a rec ognized depressive disorder, not a myth. Light, like water and air, is essential for our well-being. An estimated 20 percent of the population is affected by S.A.D. The symptoms of S.A.D. include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, weight gain, social withdrawal and a lack of alertness. Those living in the northern latitudes and in components of S.A.D. is that it’s an outgrowth of frequently overcast areas are most affected. the Western linear growth model: one that suppos I’m thinking preventatively. Consider this: es that our energy level is always the same and • Take a vacation in the winter, separate from always building on what we’ve done and that we the stressful holiday break. Airfare is less expen should always be full speed ahead.” sive, and you don’t usually have competition in When asked about light boxes, gyms and other reserving friends’ or relatives’ guest rooms. There’s artificial environments, Gardiner says: “It’s not OK also the gloating factor: 1 feel a little smug calling to feel terrible. Getting outside is really important, my friends in Portland from a sunny beach in but if you can’t do that and you’re feeling disabled SoCal in February. by S.A.D., that needs to change however it has to.” • Keep the lights on. If you plan on buying She adds: “Expecting that we will feel the same in a full-spectrum (aka natural light, or phototherapy) winter as we do in summer is unrealistic. In light box, buy wisely. Watts only measure the traditional cultures, activities vary from summer to amount of power used. You should be looking for the winter. In our culture, people often don’t want fall highest Lumen and/or Lux (measurements of light to come. We have become uncomfortable with the output and intensity) darkness and contempla ratings available. A val tion of winter.” ue of at least 10,000 Gardiner’s winter Lux/Lumens is needed exercise recommendations: for the light box to have “Walk briskly outside, even therapeutic value. The if you are in the city. Hike average living room has and connect with the quiet, a 50 to 100 Lux rating. guardian energy of the A well-lit office ranges trees. Traditionally speak from 300 to 500, and an ing, evergreens were seen average day (including as a symbol of hope that overcast) can have any life not only continues where from 20,000 to through the dark times, it 100,000-plus Lux. flourishes. If you are really • Support your feeling the effects of immune system. You S.A.D., go to the east side won’t want anything but of the Cascades. It’s quiet sleep if you’ve got a head and often sunny, and there cold. Research natural, are less people, which real herbal and nutritional ly lets you experience the immune system boosters. Take vitamin C daily. quiet of winter. Folks unable to get away can Wash your hands often if you work closely with visualize, imagining themselves as a tree sinking others, and step outside for fresh air. into the protected, nourishing silence of winter." • Stay as active as possible. Incorporate move Gardiner also mentions that many of her ment into your day by walking or taking the bus to students have been helped by cultivating a rela work. Hike or bike on the weekend. Go to the gym. tionship with fire. “Samhain (aka Halloween) is Join an adult sports league. If you’re a student, traditionally the time to release the things we don’t choose a P.E. class intuitively—one that sounds want to carry with us down into the self-reflection interesting and appropriate. of winter.” Being a fan of gyms, alternative medicine and This Halloween, take a brisk walk outside, light Halloween, 1 asked Queer Career Witch and herbal a fire, and thank your ancestors. They really knew best. © ist Colette Gardiner for additional preventative T Gorge-ous Getaway Need an alternative getaway? Need to get out and about? Now you can get away, but not too far away, and be treated to dozens of body treatments in out full service Eutopean-slylc spa and bath house. Ihcn relax in one of 78 guest rooms - each with private balcony and most with private mineral spring filled hot tub. Amenities include a restaurant and lounge, indoor pool, dry sauna plus indoor and outdoui soaking pools with natural mineral hot spring water. IVluxe guest room for two, plus two Mineral Bath Wraps’, and your choice of champagne, wine or sparkling cider. Room type includes courtyard view with two queen beds. Upgrade to a room with a private hot tub and king bed for an additional $30 per couple based on availability. * ’Separate rcicrvationt required for guest room and spa treat ments Based on availability Sunday thru Ihursday only. Not valid on holidays or with any other offer, coupon or discounts. Registered guest must be 21 or older to receive alcohol. Offer valid Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.2007. 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This practitioner has been “keeping it simple” professionally for more than 25 years. Gardiner says: “Most people have heard of S.A.D. but don’t take it seriously in terms of taking action. You have to physically support your body with everything available to you. Body trumps spirit, and spiritual tools will not work effectively if you are neglecting your body. You won’t feel well enough to implement them.” Gardiner adds, “My take on the magical C olette G ardiner can be reached at 503-238-5885. For adult recreational sports leagues visit www.underdogportland.com. Information in this column should not he used in place of advice from a licensed health care professional. If you have a health or fitness question, e'mail D ear E thel at manacallahan@gmail.com or visit www.mariacallahan.net.
