As you might know, I love referring to the dictionary for everyday terminology.
This week?
Cabin Fever (noun): irritability, listlessness, and similar symptoms resulting from long confinement or isolation indoors during the winter.
Source: Oxford Languages Dictionary
Yep, cabin fever. This is something that comes up often this time of year (if you need support around this, you can always apply for a discovery call with me).
Irritability, restlessness, and the winter blues... They can happen to all of us, including me, which is why I'm typing this email from a family member's home in sunny southern Florida.
It reminds me that perhaps it's time to share with you the impact of our own physiology on our stress response.
During this time of year, those of us who live in the northern hemisphere experience less sunlight and as a result, our serotonin levels can become depleted.
For context, serotonin, a compound that acts as a neurotransmitter, helps us naturally regulate our mood.
In turn, we can experience cabin fever, the winter blues, and even seasonal affective disorder.
*cue horror movie music*
The good news is that we can absolutely improve our experience with a few lifestyle changes such as:
going outside to soak in the sun during the day (even if that means bundling up and freezing our ass off for a few minutes)
using a light therapy lamp
taking some vitamin D supplements (always consult your doc first)
taking herbal remedies such as St. John's-wort
visiting a friend or family member in a warmer/sunnier part of the world (or even better, booking a fancy hotel stay)
And, most necessarily, addressing those emotional triggers that can send us into a spiral this time of year.
Easier said than done, I know, which is exactly why I'm here (remember you can always apply for a complimentary discovery call here).
I got you,
Carlee
PS: Some of the product links in this email are affiliate links. Affiliate links mean that I get a small percentage if you buy anything through them (thank you!) but at no extra cost to you.