Shine a little light

I'm on the final day of a 6 week stint "working at home" after my second major foot surgery this year. What I had envisioned as a peaceful and productive six weeks ended up a bit differently. Maybe I set my expectations too high, but I just couldn't seem to get focused for most of it. Somehow this spiraled down into what I'm calling "mild" depression. It is incredibly disconcerting to feel that with all the time in the world on my hands and all the freedom to pursue my dreams on my own flexible schedule, I'm not motivated to much more than stare into space and drool like a zombie. It's been a while since I was so stymied by my own brain - but I've been here before so at least I come prepared! I'm working on a bounce back action plan...

For the past few weeks my sleep schedule has been erratic - alternating nights of insomnia and days of exhaustion. I want to exercise but seem to have no energy. Then I remembered, "hey it's winter and winter in New England stinks!". Actually I love freshly fallen snow and the crisp air, but usually this is a positive sign of ski season - which is of little comfort to me until my foot no longer looks like a circus balloon and I stop walking like a pirate.

Happy Light :)

I know how the short days and long stretches of darkness can affect me, so I decided to shed a little light on the subject. Meet the Verilux HappyLight 6000. Just as you can barely stand to stare into the obnoxiously bright light in this photo, so too does it emanate a radiant glow in real life. *Note, the box should be facing you and you should have your eyes open but don't STARE at the dang thing unless you want to go blind!*.

Light boxes, or "full spectrum lamps" can be used in the winter to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (a.k.a. the winter blues). The first time I heard about this I thought it sounded like hocus pocus. It turns out research supports the effectiveness of using one of these puppies for about 30 minutes each morning, until spring rolls around, when you can finally go out and get yourself some real sunlight.

Thus far it hasn't worked a miracle for me, but I feel a wee bit more energetic during the day and I'm sleeping a little better at night (without drugs or booze my friends!). So, if you've got the winter blues might I suggest a little light in your life? It's much safer and more effective than tanning (no UV rays) and many models can be found for less than $100.

Tomorrow I head back to my 1-hour-each-way commute and a windowless office, but I have never been so excited to get back on a regular schedule and have some human interaction. Wish me luck!

My review should not be construed as medical advice. You should always consult with your own physician about any physical/mental health concerns you have.