I don’t know about you, but the rain and dreary climate we have had this past week has affected my psyche.

I am a person who thrives on daylight, and because of the cloudy skies recently, I have found myself feeling under the weather.

I am having a harder time crawling out of bed in the morning, and when I do, it feels like I am expelling every ounce of energy just to get dressed.

I am pretty sure I am experiencing what many health care providers call the January blues or SAD — Seasonal Affective Disorder.

According to healthline.com, more than 10 million people deal with this condition, so I guess there is some solace in knowing I’m not alone in feeling less than chipper.

It is also reassuring to know there is a physical reason I’m feeling blue.

According to the website, SAD has biological underpinnings that are fueled by the decrease in light due to shorter and rainy days.

“Fewer daylight hours wreaks havoc on the body,” Anthony DeMaria, PhD, supervising psychologist at Mount Sinai-West Hospital’s Center for Intensive Treatment for Personality Disorders, stated. “A variety of neurochemicals are affected.”

In darkness, for example, DeMaria said that the body produces more melatonin, causing sluggishness and decreased energy.

And, Charlynn Ruan, PhD, a clinical psychologist and founder of Thrive Psychology, stated in the website that in addition to experiencing the effects of darker days and nights, post-holiday blues can also cloud our minds and hearts.

“Many people are distracted and busy during the holiday,” Ruan said. “But in January, that doesn’t happen. There are no decorations and music, and the bills also starting coming in.”

I know I feel a little blue after I take down my decorations.

That joy I experience when my home looks festive comes to a halt, because my house seems bare and naked, especially once the garland is all put away.

Cognitively, I know I will soon come to appreciate my home’s character without all the Christmas décor. Eventually, I will begin feeling more like myself, but as for now, I wanted to know if there was something I could do to speed the process. Fortunately, for me, this website also included some ideas I could consider trying.

Ruan suggested practicing better self-care, which could include getting a massage, joining a support group, surrounding yourself with good friends and starting a new activity. Ruan also said practicing mindfulness, which means focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, can help with the blues.

Another suggestion was to exercise kindness and gratitude.

“Studies show,” the website stated, “that random acts of kindness can be potent psychological boosts because they trigger the release of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter.” And by doing for others, this can shift the focus from ourselves to others so that we forget our problems.

Also, studies show, keeping a gratitude journal can aid with seasonal depression because an attitude of gratitude can increase happiness, improve sleep, and reduce depression. Even the immune system is strengthened, the website stated.

I plan to try out a couple of these suggestions while also praying for some sunny days.

While my symptoms may be a temporary condition, there are, however, people who may experience longer bouts of sadness, and it could be prudent to talk to your doctor or counselor so 2019 will be the best year ever.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.