Winter can be hard for a number of reasons, especially if you’re a northerner where riding can be much shorter depending on your location. Sometimes, we all feel a bit down and not quite ourselves. When life gets to a point where you’re concerned about your state of mind, you need to do something about it.
For motorcyclists in particular who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., winter imposes additional mental stress. There are some ways that can make a real difference in your attitude, but often, people who are by nature, solitary in their pursuits, may not have an influence in their lives that gets them to act on their mood.
There are a couple of ways to elevate your mood, that either don’t require anything, or very little. One is simple. Talk therapy, and I don’t mean going to a therapist. Sometimes, the best advice is to call up a friend or fellow rider and get out to one of your normally favorite riding coffee stops and simply talk about your next ride and spring.
A second helpful option is to make sure that you are taking a Vitamin D winter supplement, and thirdly consider buying a light therapy lamp. It can alter a person’s hormones and brain chemistry that may for some help alleviate the symptoms of S.A.D.
Getting a therapy light and sitting in front of it for 30 to 60 minutes per day, in the morning or afternoon. Harvard Medical,
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/light-therapy-not-just-for-seasonal-depression-202210282840
is a good place to start research if you’re affected.
Lamps are reasonably inexpensive.
Lastly, if you’re aware that someone is struggling, reach out. Nothing works better for a fellow rider in a funk than letting that person know you care. Take the time, and surprisingly, you may find it’s you that feels better, just for helping.
https://youtu.be/eOGZ9GJU52I?si=2ol7F2zJVHbwz7p5
And it can be worse if you or a friend have lost someone or something that was important in your life. Take care of yourself, and act.
Ciao…
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