Outside the Box Learners

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

I remember first hearing about SAD and thinking, “Is that actually a thing?”

Basically, it’s depression that occurs during the same time each year, usually winter, though for some it can be in the summer.  And I can assure you, it is real.  Shortly after my 3rd child was born I started to notice that the winter days weren’t just long.

They were excruciatingly endless.

According to Web MD, symptoms of SAD are:

• Less energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue
• Greater appetite
• Increased desire to be alone
• Greater need for sleep
• Weight gain

Do you struggle with SAD?  If you do, know you are not alone.  Up to 20% of people, mostly women, get SAD.  Obviously, that falls along a spectrum with some cases being more severe, while most are on the milder side.

As you can imagine, parenting, not to mention, HOMESCHOOLING, is much harder with SAD.  It can be a real struggle to get motivated.   Last week, for most of the week, I felt like crawling in my bed and sleeping all day.  My motivation and energy disappeared into the deep abyss known as February.

Combatting SAD

There are many things you can do to improve SAD.  An extensive list is found here.  For me, what helps the MOST is exercising, even especially when I don’t feel like it (which is pretty much always.)

Days when I can get even 10 minutes of walking in on the treadmill, I have much more energy and motivation.  An even better option would be walking outside, and bonus points if it’s sunny.

Vitamins, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep help too.  Many people have Vitamin D deficiency.  If you think you’re deficient, you’ll want to work with your doctor on that.

Lots of things help, but for me, exercise is the secret sauce to combatting SAD.  My day can turn from a downward trajectory to an upward one after a simple 15-20 minute walk!

**It’s important to note if you’re feeling especially down, with no relief, you should seek professional help.

Homeschooling with SAD

As far as homeschooling, keeping it lighter during the long winter days is also helpful.  Up the audiobooks and the game-playing, and lower expectations of yourself.

Obviously, you still need to move forward with school, but do cut yourself some slack if you’re dealing with SAD.  Send the kids outside for a bit each day (if you can!)  Make more soups, that warm the soul.  Turn some twinkle lights on, and crank up (ever so lightly) some music.  You can also check out these mood-busters, many of which were also mentioned in this post

And remember, spring is around the corner.  It won’t be long until you’re able to pack that long-underwear away (at least for a few months!) and bask in the warmth of the sun.

I remember the first time I met you.  As a shy, red-headed girl, about 8 years old, I vividly remember viewing the PBS special on a tiny twelve-inch television in our cozy living room.  As the story began I had no idea of the delightful treat I was in for.  Right away your story captivated me and I. WAS. HOOKED.

Anne Shirley, though only a character, you were an instant kindred spirit.

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Why I loved Anne THEN

As a young girl I immediately connected with Anne.  There were the obvious reasons – the red hair and the name (my MIDDLE name is Anne with an “e”- close enough, right?!)  And the not so obvious reasons – I had a love for writing, active imagination, and was a hopeless idealist.

Despite the similarities, there was one big difference between Anne and myself.  Anne was endlessly uninhibited with a fiery spirit (which admittedly didn’t always serve her well.)  I think it was her lack of inhibition that really drew me in.

Why I love Anne Shirley NOW

Recently, the kids and I had a chance to read Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.  As a self-proclaimed Anne of Green Gables mega-fan (um hello – I watched the movie while I was in labor with my first child!), I’m a little embarrassed to say, this was my first time reading the book!

Actually, we listened to the audiobook (we love audiobooks and YES they do count as read-alouds!)  We used this version, and hit the jackpot because the narrator sounded so much like the characters from the movie.

Unlike many movies and books, I thought the book was very similar to the movie (at least the Megan Follow’s version, which is frankly THE BEST!)

As we were listening, it was nostalgic for me thinking back about why I loved Anne, and I realized there are so many more reasons I love this story now.

Anne is an overcomer.  She is an orphan who finds her way and makes an impact on so many, despite her tragic background.

She is fiercely loyal.   This is perhaps what stood out the most to me when contemplating Anne’s character now as an adult.  In her friendships and her relationship with Matthew and Marilla, she is a steadfast companion.

Anne and our Outside the Box Kids

Though exasperating to the adults in her life, it is Anne’s intensity and drive that allows her to succeed.

This actually made me think of so many of our “outside the box” kids.  They can drive us crazy with their intensities that are often frustrating.  But those intensities may be the very thing that sets them apart as leaders.

I know viewing my own intense children through this lens can be helpful.

How about you? Are you an Anne Shirley fan?  What do you love about Anne?

I haven’t posted in a while…  I honestly was frozen with a bit of holiday overwhelm!  Also, I really wanted to focus on enjoying the season with my family.  Since I’m still a relatively new blogger, I haven’t found my rhythm yet, and so, each entry I write gets posted immediately.  I don’t schedule my posts…. yet.  I’m hoping I will get there in 2019!  I have lots of ideas of things to write about, I just need to get organized!

Our Christmas was good and busy.  I’d love to say we all stayed healthy, but I, unfortunately, got hit with a stomach bug as did my middle son, and my husband had a bout of conjunctivitis in his eye.  Fun times!  Thankfully that all happened between Christmas and New Year’s.  So we are starting 2019 on a good foot!

Many years ago, for one particular new year,  I made tons of goals.  I had about 8 different categories, with many goals in each category.  Over-zealous maybe!?!  I was good for about a week, but that’s about all I could sustain.

I don’t usually set New Year’s goals anymore, or if I do they are very mild goals, and nothing extreme.  I DO think goal-setting is a great practice and important.  I just don’t do it at New Years.

HOWEVER, I do have one goal or THEME for myself this year, and that is that I would know and understand God’s love for me in a greater way.  And that my family would too! Obviously, not super measurable, but I’m ok with that.

I hope your year is off to a great start!   We don’t NEED a new year for new beginnings BUT a new year is just one of those times that automatically warrants it.  Blessings to you in 2019!