Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Doldrums!

The doldrums; "a state of inactivity, stagnation, or slump".......

How many of us find ourselves in or near this state, especially this time of year?
I have several carving projects that have a deadline, but I can't seem to get started. If I do get started, I can't sustain the start into anything really productive. Some times I can't make up my mind what to do. Even when presented with multiple possibilities, I won't pick one. If I do manage to get something started, I set it aside as I'm not satisfied with it.

So, I thought, lets do some quilt making. Same thing there!

I just cannot get motivated.

Anyone else find themselves in this situation?

If you do, fear not! There's an accepted name for it; even with a pill that will help; or so says the literature. We may have SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD).

Here's what some of the literature says about SAD: It is described as "feelings of sadness and depression often associated with excessive eating, sleeping, and weight gain. OH oh! trouble, I think I've got it. Three for three!

It's called SEASONAL because seasons can be defined as follows:

SUMMER = A period of fruition, fulfillment, happiness, and beauty.
WINTER - A period of time characterized by coldness, misery, barrenness, or death.

The literature states that many folks during the winter feel depressed, irritable, and tired. Again, that's me. My activity decreases, and I find myself going to bed earlier and earlier.

Do I have SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER and should I sit under a light; or do I just need a KICK in the BUTT?

10 comments:

Tracy said...

You could come to California....treatment for sad is sun exposure. I'll even let you work on a quilt with me. :)You can even play on my longarm.

Kaaren said...

How about a kick in the butt under the lamp? (wink)

Just kidding, Tom. Don't worry. It'll pass. On the bright side, the days have started to get longer.

wdpiper1 said...

I know exactly what you are talking about. Better days ahead. Thanks for the your blog thoughts.
Carl (CGM)

Tom H said...

It was below zero here this AM. 72 degrees in California. Kick my butt and go to Cal....if I had the $$$$. I'll keep on looking for the "spark" that will get me going..

diy said...

Now this may only be applicable to me but; as I mature my energy level seems to be dropping. Not for a moment do I suggest that may be your problem Tom. Perish the thought.
In my fight against these windless spots- doldrums- I've a habit of trying something else. This is not to be recommended.
What does work is a perambulation in the woods with my canine companions. Not only is the walk beneficial their antics are great as the run around pretending to fight.

So fear not Tom you'll recapture your bounce.

Tom H said...

diy, your reference to the primary definition of the "Doldrums" reminded me of your seafarin days as you mentioned in your profile. Am I correct?

Anyway, thanks for the comment. Us 70+ yeras old must stick together.

diy said...

Thats right Tom a maritime background. Sailed in deep sea trawlers from 16 to thirty years of age. A way of life I enjoyed . Fished from Iceland to West Africa. However its a job for youngsters so I then joined the Merchant Navy as a navigating officer , before swallowing the anchor and working in local government.
Your right us auldies must ttick together.
Now do I sign of as Captain Archibald or Steinaltermariner ( the Ancient Mariner) Naw the latter had albatros problems.

Marsha Stopa said...

Tom,
The winter blues are real. Yes, it will pass, but until then you don't feel anything like yourself and your energy and motivation disappears, stealing time from your favorite activities. Light IS the treatment. You might consider a light therapy light. If you'd like to learn more, please visit me at http://www.winterbluescoach.com/

Winter cheers,
Marsha Stopa
P.S. Your work looks very interesting. I quilted once upon a time.

John M. Casteline said...

Tom,
I sincerely believe that the human body wants to hibernate in the winter, like a bear. I tend to sleep longer hours, and just can't seem to jump into new projects as readily as in the spring.

Tom H said...

Pappajohn, Sleep more and maybe eat more too?