The Boulder Blah’s of Winter? Many of us experience depression and related challenges during the short dark days of winter.  What is that about? What do we do about it?

Beating Boulder’s Winter Blahs!

Winter blues, often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, usually in the fall or winter. It’s linked to changes in sunlight exposure, which can affect your internal biological clock and serotonin levels. Here’s a deeper dive:

Causes

1. Reduced Sunlight: Shorter days disrupt circadian rhythms and lower serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
2. Melatonin Imbalance: Longer nights can cause an overproduction of melatonin, leading to fatigue and lethargy.
3. Vitamin D Deficiency: Less sunlight exposure decreases Vitamin D, which impacts mood regulation.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Cold weather can reduce outdoor activity and social interaction, contributing to feelings of isolation.

Cures and Coping Strategies

1. Light Therapy: Use a lightbox mimicking natural sunlight for 20–30 minutes daily.
2. Exercise: Outdoor activities or even indoor workouts boost endorphins and energy.
3. Diet: Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D-rich foods, and complex carbs.
4. Socializing: Stay connected with friends and family.
5. Psychological Support: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective.
6. Hobbies: Engage in creative or fulfilling activities to counteract feelings of boredom or sadness. Concrete Hobby lists? That’s at least one more blog if not many more.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com