The Hibernation Effect

I seem to just be full of theories right now.  Go figure.

My body seems to be in some kind of hibernation mode and I'm wondering if I'm alone in this... 

I want to SLEEP (and yes, my labs are fine)... getting out of bed in the morning is really tough!  I'm craving warm carby things like crazy and seem to want to eat bigger quantities... not like I've eaten a trigger food, as much as my body trying to "stock up" for a long winter's sleep.

Even exercise has become harder - finding it difficult to push myself to the exhaustion point I was able to get to before.  

Motivation is just shot right now - I have a lot to get done, but have to force myself to go down the list to do it, rather than having the energy to eagerly tackle it.

My mood isn't really bad and I don't feel particularly depressed or anything - just non-energetic.

I'm attributing most of this to the weather and time of year.  Anyone else feel like hibernating?

Karen

Oh Yes!!!  I can't wait til the warmer weather, I sit with a blanket on me all the time, just cuddled up. (on top of two layers of clothing, sometimes three, with on layer being thermals)  Hurry up Spring!!!

Haha - yeah - I have a sweater on a chair in virtually every room in my house so when I sit down I can wrap myself in it.  In my family room, i've got this great THICK wool sweater that Becky got me for xmas.  Pre-surg I wouldn't have dreamed of wearing something so hot, but now I wear it pretty much every night!

And cuddleduds and Lands End silk underwear has become a staple of my wardrobe!

I agree - hurry up SPRING!!!

k.

Karen,

Boy, you described how I'm feeling.  I'm holding my own, though, with the carbs and still eating mainly protein - thank God for that!  I think a lot of this is due to the time of the year.  Most people are sick of the bad weather and ready for the spring at this point in time....I know I sure am.

I have many loved ones not doing well right now, one of them near death.  Looking at old family pictures on Facebook is getting me so emotional.  I'm having difficulty staying focused on work today. 

So glad we have OH as a support system.  Hope this passes quickly. 

Blessings,
Debbie

Debbie,

Sorry you and your family are going through such tough times.  It's doubly hard, I think, at this time of year.  HUGS!!!  Just keep holding your own and taking it one day at a time.  That's all we can do.

Karen

Thanks, Karen.  We can all do this, together, one day at a time, determination and will.  Come on spring!

Debbie

MEEEEEEEE

my motivation is sinking, as well.  I know some of mine is sheer frustration, but it's also the dark, cold, crappy weather we've been having.  I am not getting to the gym as much as I used to. I am doing more laying around, I am not eating as I should.

Please let spring come quickly!!!!

Ah Lisa, I certainly hear you!  

Do you have SAD? (seasonal affective disorder)  I never really thought I did, but the way my body is reacting this year without the self-medication of food and hibernation (used to go to bed ridiculously early every night in the winter) makes me wonder.

I've heard that tanning (well, light therapy) can help, and am actually considering it.  I've never been inside a tanning place, so am not sure, but Eddie's doc had recommended it for SAD.  Just a thought...

Karen

I don't know if I do, but like you, wonder.  My sister has it and bought a sun light thing for it. It has helped her tremendously.  I have been wanting to ask at the gym about the tanning.  Maybe I'll do that today when I'm there. I know it's only like $5, but I don't know for how many sessions. I think that's the monthly cost there.  That's a great price if it's right.  

I used to tan before for the purpose of tanning.  But, now I think it will be worth trying it at low doses for the purpose of smiling!!

Thanks Karen

Count me in on this thread. I do have SAD and this time of year is always difficult for me. Now here is the duh moment. I have been craving carbs and sweets and wanting to sleep but it never entered my mind that it could be the winter problem. I was attributing it to eating different kinds of things during the holidays and needing to reset my system again. I am so glad that you posted this Karen cause now I have a new approach to "treating" my cravings and energy loss. And by the way I have used "sunlight" bulbs before and thought it did help, but I never considered tanning. Maybe I should give that a try. The place I buy my protein powder and bars also has a tanning bed. They are pretty good friends of ours so maybe I will call and check out their prices. Thanks again for sharing.