Try the YES, And Strategy for SAD

Last week, I gave two quick solutions for managing symptoms associated with SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Today, I want to offer another tool for not only managing the disorder but OVERCOMING it so you can remain productive. 

First, let us look at some signs of SAD:

·        Low energy

·        Loss of interest in activities

·        Agitation

·        Difficulty concentrating

·        Changes in appetite

·        Trouble with sleeping

·        Feelings of hopelessness

·        Craving carbs

Now these are not exclusive to or exhaustive of SAD but more a snapshot of how someone with SAD may struggle during this time of year.  (It is always recommended to consult your physician when feeling this way impacts daily living.)

I shared last week that I struggle with SAD and work diligently to manage it to stay on course with achieving my goals.  Let me share a tool I used that I borrowed from the improv world to help me push past SAD.

YES, And…

Have you heard of this principle?  YES, AND??  It is a cornerstone for comedic flow in improv as seen on shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway on the CW network.

Yes, And means to ACCEPT and EXPAND…  to acknowledge and build upon.

Brain cramp?

Let me share my experience.

The other day, it was dark, I was tired and still needed to exercise.   I said: “Its time to work out, BUT I’m tired.”

I was not inspired. In fact, this mere statement opened the door for me to consider looking for more “attractive” alternatives…distractions that would give the illusion of importance and provide a justification for NOT doing what I was scheduled to do.

I recognized that I needed to change my language.

So, I re-framed and said: “ It’s time to work out, AND I’m tired.” 

Can you see or rather HEAR the difference? Try it for yourself.  Say each statement out loud.  Notice how you feel. Notice what your brain offers.

A.     “It’s time to work out, BUT I’m tired.”

B.     “It’s time to work out, AND I’m tired.” 

Option A:  Shuts down growth and opportunity.  It makes it easier to look for an alternative, non-goal supporting activity.

Option B: Comes from a place of acceptance and creates space to act, to move forward despite current physical condition.  This one allows space to be creative.  To find ways to keep the commitment that supports the goal.

So, what did I do? 

Repeated: “It’s time to work out, AND I’m tired” because there was no need to trick myself and DENY what I was feeling.  Instead, I acknowledged how I felt and built upon these feelings by:

·       turning on ALL the lights 

·       putting on my favorite music play-list

·       preparing my performance drink

and

·       modifying the intensity of my workout.

Folks, I was fired up and started moving!!!

I am glad I kept my commitment to myself and actually enjoyed the workout session!

Changing my language literally blessed my pants!!!!! SAD took a back seat, and I was able to accomplish my goal.

When you have a goal to achieve, minding your language is super important, especially if you struggle with SAD!  I mean it has been said that death and life are in the power of the tongue.  Words can inspire or create fires.  When dealing with SAD, we need tinder our words with care.  We must use language that fuels, not stalls, momentum.

SAD strategy:

Yes, AND through the tough moments.  Acknowledge the tough moment, the tough thought, the tough task AND expand upon it.  Build upon it in a way that allows you to build momentum and achieve your goals.

You got this, baby!!!

WOWW!Factor Activated!