How are you handling the Winter Blues?
Valerie Cartonio
Prison POD podcast to Save Lives, Restore Hope, Reduce Suffering and Recidivism
In the past I have suffered with Seasonal Affective Disorder (mild). I would dread January with seemed to last for 6 months - at least here in Maine. Ice, Snow, Cold, repeat. I also do not like driving in the winter.
So, On the first day of Fall...I took a fall, and broke my wrist in 2 places. Let's just say it has been trying in many ways. After 2 months of PT I have use of my hand, but can only carry about 3 pounds. My little finger has yet to catch up with the rest of my hand, but it hurts, and it seems before any part has improved, there has been pain before and during. Kind of like life!
When this event occurred, I was walking 4 days or more a week, and working out 30-45 minute's 5 days week. I do virtual drumming. You see, I always wanted to play the drums; being a girl it "was out of the question" from my parents; they probably just did not want to listen to me learn how to play. But music, music moves me, and there is something about that heartbeat of a drum that hits something inside of me. I feel like there is a light inside of me.
So...Oculus...I feel in many ways the Oculus gave me back my life. I lost 45 pounds doing virtual drumming and a game called Beat Saber. But even those days I just did not feel like doing anything, I go travel around the world in a fully immersive surrounding. Or, I could do a meditation, or a self hypnosis, or watch a live concert somewhere across the world!
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So, back to breaking my wrist. I couldn't use my Oculus with a cast, and when the cast came off they said "NO Drumming, until after Physical Therapy." Winter Blues. Damn. What now?
I made it through. But, I learned that the Oculus has added so much to my life, which I got in the middle of COVID. I can not explain what an important addition it has been in my life. It is just amazing to me!
If you fight with those Winter Blues, check out virtual reality - there is so much you can do to improve your body, mind & soul.