12/05/2024
Hi, I’m LeAnne, CEO of Wake Up Happy Sis! and I have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—and yes, Sis, that’s a real thing. I want to share a little bit about what it feels like, how I cope, and how self-care and socializing help me get through it. SORRY, but this is a little bit of a long post!
SAD feels like this quiet, relentless weight that settles over you, pulling you into a kind of listlessness that’s hard to shake. Think of it like a heavy cloud that settles over your spirit, making even the sipmlest things feel like a huge struggle. You feel tired, but can't rest; irritable but don't know why. You feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people, like you’re disconnected from the world. Sadness creeps in, not just in waves, but sometimes like a dull, constant ache. There are moments when you feel hopeless, helpless, like you’ll never find your spark again. You want to get things done, but the motivation just isn’t there, and even tasks that usually bring you joy feel like they take too much effort. It’s isolating and heavy—like you’re fighting an invisible battle no one else can see or fully understand.
But, even in the middle of all that, I’ve learned how to hold onto hope and fight back. For me, it starts with recognizing that this is something I’m going through—not who I am. I lean hard into self-care, because it’s not just a luxury; it’s my lifeline. I start my mornings with a light therapy lamp and upbeat music, which helps give me a boost of energy and keeps that cloud from feeling so thick. I remind myself to move, even when I don’t feel like it, because just taking a walk can make a difference. I eat foods that nourish my body and soul, and I don’t shy away from journaling to let those feelings out.
And let me tell you—connection is key. SAD tries to isolate me, but I’ve learned to push through that wall by reaching out. I’ll text a friend, have an impromptu dinner/drinks with friends, or just sit with my loved ones, even if I’m quiet. There’s something about being in the presence of people who truly see you [and care for you] that reminds you you’re not alone, even when it feels like you are. I also give myself permission to rest without guilt, because healing takes energy too.
If you’re in the thick of it right now, know that I see you, and I get it. It’s tough, but you are tougher. Take small steps to care for yourself, reach out for support when you need it, and trust that the light—whether it’s from the sun, a lamp, or your own inner fire—will come back. Better days are ahead, and you don’t have to face this alone.
Love & Light!
LeAnne "Your Chief Self-Love Officer"
