Rising Above Sad!

When light is not received one is made SAD. The absence of light interferes with the work of living, so that it becomes laborious. But, there is hope. Light therapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for sufferers of SAD. 

Light therapy consists of exposure to artificial light for a prescribed amount of time. “Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions. Light therapy is also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy.” (Light Therapy, Mayo Clinic). It may be recommended in isolation, or in combination with medication and or psychotherapy. (Seasonal Affective Disorder, NIMH).

But, before the sun hides its face and the patterns of human life move inward, what can be done to prepare our bodies and souls to prosper in spite of the shifts? 

For Your Body: Increase your exposure to natural light by opening your windows and going for a walk in the day.    Try going for a walk during your lunch break during the Fall and Winter months.

For Your Soul: Spend time in the presence of God. Yes, God is always near. But, to spend time in the presence of God is to make a decision of your will to show up to this reality, by inviting Him to make Himself known, setting aside time to sit in stillness and silence and engage in disciplines and practices that set your mind on His person, i.e. listening to and or singing worship music and reading and meditating upon His Word. Particularly delightful is engaging in a Scriptural soak. This practice invites you to be still in God’s presence as you listen to recorded Scripture reading and or declarations against a soothing musical track, usually played on repeat. This can be an especially good choice when you struggle to quiet your thoughts. Explore here: https://www.brilliantbookhouse.com/products/prophetic-soaking.

For Your Body: Exercise! Join  with a group of women to make exercising, at least 30 minutes a day, a part of your routine. It’s best to start before the seasons change completely, so that you don’t have the added pressure of trying to establish a new routine, while combating the blues. 

For Your Soul: God is faithful to uphold you no matter the season. Entrust your challenges to Him and listen and obey His loving counsel. Day-by-day workout your faith. Count nothing too trivial; count nothing too lofty; count nothing too “secular” to bring to the feet of your Savior. Ask Him to help you.

For Your Body: Eat well! If this has been a challenge for you, consult a medical professional to establish a plan you can work. Make a commitment to cooking your own meals. It is a beautiful and simple act that is a way of showing up for yourself. Plus, the repetitive motions involved in a good slow cooked meal can be therapeutic. Get started at one of the following options:

1. https://www.thefreshtable.org/
2. https://foodheavenmadeeasy.com/start/

For Your Soul: Eat well! Feast on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8). Be selective in what you allow through your gates. Be sure that you the things you choose to see, hear and think, as well as the people with whom you spend time, build faith. Faith comes by hearing, and this by the Word of God - the message about Christ. (Romans 10:17). These are the good things on which you should feast.

Happy temple building!

Take care. Bless many.