By Chyanna Taylor

Do you find yourself low on energy every winter season? Is it harder for you to motivate and socialize because it’s “too cold outside”? When spring breaks through the hard winter soil do you feel your spirits lifting? If any of these questions feel relatable than you, my friend, might have S.A.D.. S.A.D., (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern that can be experienced during any season but is most commonly experienced during the winter in locations above the equator. S.A.D. symptoms during the winter can include feeling listless, oversleeping, carbohydrate craving (causing weight gain), depression and more. This is something I personally have experienced during the wintertime; throughout my years nothing really kicks S.A.D. away faster than getting my hands in some dirt and planting some seeds. I’ve found that I feel my best mentally, spiritually and overall more physically healthy when I spend time to ground myself in my garden.

Every fall as the days begin to grow shorter and the trees begin to shed their once green leaves S.A.D. begins to slowly creep from behind the shadow of days spent outside. Sun-kissed hobbies are coming to an end and the cold will force days to be spent indoors causing vitamin D intake to decrease and serotonin levels to drop. At this point in the season my garden has given a bountiful harvest that I've made the most heart warming meals with and my heart is heavy that I no longer will have fresh produce at my fingertips. Reduced access to many vegetables and fruits at practically no cost makes it harder to eat healthy and function to the best my body is able to and the lack of energy invites depression to set in. Winter approaches and I continue to struggle to motivate myself through the cold, my bones ache, and the winter wind hurts my face. The rest of the season is spent longing for days where everything is green and bright instead of brown, snow soaked and seemingly dea

A few months have passed and the sun has begun to extend its stay as the long winter days are coming to an end. Our internal clocks are finally beginning to align again after months spent out of whack. The air outside is warmer and the soil has begun to soften allowing the smallest bit of green to pop through, just enough to brighten an avid nature lover's day. The grip of S.A.D. is beginning to loosen as I find my motivation to work in my garden taking over. It's during this time I start to find my spirits lifting as the potential of this year's harvest is endless. The gardening process will begin with mixing my dirt and setting intentions for healthy growing plant babies. Mycobacterium Vaccae (a bacterium found in soil) triggers the release of serotonin in the brain which must explain why one of my favorite parts about gardening is the mixing of dirt. This is an important process as it can also apply to daily life; in order for us living beings to grow we must make sure we have the proper nutrients, so I make sure my soil is abundant. The seeds are then planted and patience is taught as I water my seedlings and wait for them to break through. As I build a relationship with my garden I reflect on myself and find presence within.

Patience pays off and daily satisfaction sets in as my seedlings have sprouted and S.A.D. is at this point non-existent. My daily energy is now at its peak as I take time in my garden every morning and evening making sure to be consistent in the caregiving it receives. In my garden I take time to practice gratitude every day. I appreciate and take care of my tools, for I would not be able to tend to my garden as easily as if I were just using my bare hands. Gratitude continues through my gardening practice and I thank the rain for nourishing my plants, I thank my plants as I provide them with carbon dioxide filled affirmations, and I thank mother nature for co-conspiring with my beginning intentions for a healthy fruitful garden. The more my garden grows and flourishes the more I begin to realize my own talents, my self-esteem is becoming more present again.

The garden Is now producing the fruits of my labor and we are having a great time! Socialization has increased by the meals my garden has brought to the table and delicious earthy flavors have danced on the tongues of many friends. Hard work has alchemized into laughs and joyful memories shared with loved ones. By applying practices to my daily life that I have learned through gardening I am more aware of my symptoms and can manage them better as well. S.A.D. does take a toll during the colder season but spending time in my garden reminds me to take the time to nurture myself for winter seasons to come. If S.A.D. during the wintertime is something that you have struggled with try to get your hands in some dirt. I know it's helped me, maybe it'll help you too! As they say “a little dirt never hurt”!