Crossroads

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

   In our lifetime we come upon many “cross roads” It is a time in our life when we must make crucial decisions to which road it is we want to go down. Deciding to attend college or join the work force, to get married and have children or not to have children, these would be a “cross roads” decision, as all involve commitment, dedication and are life changing events.

     However, the “cross roads” decision that involves the most commitment and dedication is our decision to accept Jesus Christ as our savior. When we accept Him as our savior, our life is truly changed forever.

     This is not going to be easy however, and we must pay attention! We read in Matthew 7:14(NLT) “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it”. When we arrive at the “cross roads” we must remember to take the right road and know that we are going to be challenged along the way, not to mention Satan will be doing his best to distract and deter us.

     If we remain strong and faithful in our convictions we are reminded in John 14:2 (NIV) “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you”? Is this not the road we all want to be on? Is this not the most important “cross road” in life, the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior?

SAD?

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

Image courtesy of marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

SAD?         

     During this time of year it is easy to become affected by what is known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder”. Typically a person will be affected by this during the same time each year, so if you get depressed during the winter months but feel much better during the spring and summer, you may have SAD.

It is most common among:

• People who live in areas where winter days are very short or there are big changes in the amount of daylight in different seasons.
• Women.
• People between the ages of 15 and 55. The risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as you age.
• People who have a close relative with SAD.

     Usually the culprit behind SAD is the lack of sunlight. It upsets the sleep/wake cycle as well as other circadian rhythms, which in turn causes problems with the brain chemical serotonin.

     Most people that are affected by SAD will notice their energy levels are down, and they have less tolerance for normal daily activities. This is probably directly related to the interruption of the sleep/wake cycle I talked about earlier. Most folks are in a much better frame of mind when they have a good night’s sleep. Another sign of SAD is you will eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.

     It is difficult to tell the difference between non-seasonal depression and SAD simply because the symptoms are very much alike. If you are going to see a doctor to find out if you have SAD he will want to know if:

• You have been depressed during the same season and have gotten better when the seasons changed for at least 2 years in a row.
• You have symptoms that often occur with SAD, such as being very hungry (especially craving carbohydrates), gaining weight, and sleeping more than usual.
• A close relative-a parent, brother, or sister-has had SAD.

     If you are diagnosed with SAD your doctor most likely will prescribe light therapy. There are two types of light therapy:

• Bright light treatment. For this treatment, you sit in front of a “light box” for half an hour or longer, usually in the morning.
• Dawn simulation. For this treatment, a dim light goes on in the morning while you sleep, and it gets brighter over time, like a sunrise.

     Light therapy works well for most people with SAD, and it is easy to use. You may start to feel better within a week or so after you start light therapy. But you need to stick with it and use it every day until the season changes. If you don’t, your depression could come back.

     If you or someone you know is affected by SAD you can lessen its affects by keeping in good mental and physical shape, and by watching your diet. Make sure to fit that trip to the gym in your daily schedule, and if you are getting cravings for carbohydrates resist them, and choose something healthier to curb that carbohydrate crave such as apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon.

“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances”.

Martha Washington (1732 – 1802)