Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder?

"A mental malady having everything to do with latitude."

In Northern climates, such as New England, winter daylight hours are in shorter supply, and over 20% of the population suffers from mild-to-serious depression, whereas in balmy Florida - closer to the equator- with plenty of daylight year-round, it is merely 1%.    Small wonder then, that the northern climates have a very large group of  folks who are climbing the walls, as we are in Wilton, CT.  

The cure?   A little dreaming and planning in the earlier months of the year for your garden!!!!!   or at least, for your property.   No surprise that a majority of folks in the colder climates will race outdoors, first chance they get, to pick up fallen limbs, clean up the winter mess that nature leaves us on each beautiful day they have.    Even if only for one day in the month!   We had that opportunity here in Wilton CT all last week!  The weather was 40 degrees and sunny, for a change...

One theory is that your biological clock slows down when daylight is of limited supply.    Your biological clock regulates your mood, energy, and the ability to concentrate......     No wonder we all feel better here in Wilton CT in the summer when the days are long and warm!   According to scientists, gardening will keep your blood pressure and heart rate low,  but....   a crazy new discovery!    

A harmless soil organism, named Mycobacterium vaccae, apparently increases your serotonin levels in the brain - causing an anti-depressant effect.  

So, go out to your garden, or go create a garden- it's wildly good for you!    

Seasonal Affective Disorder