Why Can’t I Get Motivated; Is It SAD?

Have you been asking yourself this question lately, “Why can’t I get motivated?” Or maybe it’s been, “Why do I feel so low?” or “Why don’t I have any energy?”

I’ve been asking myself all of these questions, and, frankly, I’m getting a little pissed off at myself! How about you? Do you feel like you’re doing everything “right” and still can’t get motivated?

I’m exercising, eating well, and sleeping well, so I’ve checked all of those boxes. I took a different, less demanding, approach to my work last week. I rested this weekend. I spent quality time with friends and family. I went through my finances and determined I’m in good shape. This organization is growing in the way that it “should” be.

And still, my body just wants to climb under the covers and sleep. Why?!?!? Ugh!

Then I remembered a little thing called SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder and wondered if maybe this is why I can’t get motivated. I live in Michigan, it’s starting to get colder, it’s been pretty rainy and dreary for the past couple of weeks, and today is no different.

So I turned to Google and typed in “seasonal,” and what popped up as the #2 search result after “seasonal allergies”? Seasonal depression. So apparently I’m not the only one dealing with this right now.

I am not a professional, but I thought it might be helpful for you and for me to put together a few quick facts about SAD to see if it might be what we’re dealing with.

1. The symptoms are similar to depression except, for most people, the symptoms only develop as winter approaches and start to lessen when spring rolls around. A few symptoms are: anxiety, irritability, reduced concentration, consistent low mood, reduced libido, crying often, fatigue (even with an adequate amount of sleep), reduced interest in activities, and overeating.
2. Some studies have shown that women are four times more likely than men to experience SAD.
3. Our serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter that regulates moods) usually drop in the winter. This is our body’s way of protecting us from the environmental stresses that come with the winter months. It’s possible that this leads to SAD.

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