Dear LPG,

I have noticed that many of my friends find themselves at a point of low morale at about this time of year.  It may even be that you have the disorder called SAD  (Seasonal Affective Disorder). 

This is the time when Christmas has gone and the days are still short and cold which means that we spend much too much time at home, often on our own with only the television for company.

That is when, all the things that I need to do pale into insignificance and I, in my opinion start thinking all the wrong thoughts.  I think too much about all the things that I regret not doing when I was younger, and get even more depressed when I think of the ‘me’ I think I would be if I had done things differently.  Then I think about the future and it does not look very rosy.   I don’t think I am alone here, so it occurred to me that there has to be something I can do about my ‘Winter Blues’. 

I have learned a few tricks to improve things and the first is to think of all the positive things that have happened during the past year and during your life; the things that would have never happened if you could go back and change them; your children and grandchildren, the job you had, the holidays you have been on.  Make a list and refer to it when you start to feel down.  Don’t focus on things too far in the future. Aim at short term achievements; what you are going to do next summer, after all it is only months away now.

I am no expert but I hope this helps. 

HS, Catford

LPG found a few bits of information on the subject which will perhaps improve your focus by giving you something else to consider….

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