by Megan Jean Wilczek

Friend, how are you doing this season?

As the days get shorter, darker, and colder many of us are struggling. Seasonal Affective Disorder is real and probably more common than most of us know, especially in northern, colder parts of the world. So what can we do about it?

First, let's remember God's tremendous care for us. He has sprinkled beauty even throughout the hard things. In the dark there's stars. In the cold there's beautiful little snowflakes. Throughout everyday life there's His comforting presence that we can always turn to.

Be sure to remain in a solid Bible reading and prayer schedule. I don't know about you, but for me, when that starts to slip I get myself in trouble fast. Before I know it my focus is on self-loathing rather than on God's purpose for my life.

5 simple, practical self-care tips for this winter:

1. Get a “happy light.” If you search happy light on Amazon, these magical little beauties will pop up. They are little desktop lights in various sizes and prices. You can find them fairly inexpensive. While you're doing your Bible study and prayer in the morning, bask in the light of your happy light for a little mood boost each day. They really do help.

2. Get some fresh air. Even when it's hard because of the cold, spend a short time outside during daylight, even if it's a simple walk around the block each day.

3. Take care of yourself physically. Make sure you're eating nutritious meals and get a little movement in each day. We all have different capabilities with exercise, so make a practical goal and stick to it. Short, consistent efforts every day are more beneficial than longer, more inconsistent periods of exercise. This goes for other skills as well, such as Bible study time.

4. Find an indoor activity that you enjoy. Give yourself something to look forward to. Do you like to read? Order a good book. Do you enjoy scrapbooking, board games…? Brainstorm something you would enjoy and make it a priority.

5. Create a community of support. This may look a little different for each of us depending on our needs, but here are some thoughts. Keep in touch with your faith community. Tell them you struggle this time of year and ask them to pray. Reach out to your friends in the same way. Stay in or begin counseling. Talk with your doctor to see if you need to take a Vitamin D supplement or possibly even some medications for a season. Be honest with your team about your mental health.

   A Prayer

   Dear God, please help us to stay well during this season of struggle. Take care of our everyday needs. Give us courage to reach out and ask for help as needed. Surround each of us with people who truly care and will love with action. Convict us to be the hands and feet of Jesus for each other. Remind us to stay close to you, in your shadow, for your protection. Protect us from the attacks of satan during this time that makes us more vulnerable. I pray this all in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Check out the new resources page on my website for other ways to get support.

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