Seasonal Affective Disorder

This issue and the related article on Dirty Good was driven by a recent post, and reminder, by my brother Matt posted on Instagram. I believe most people reading this have a good sense of what Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is and how it can wreak havoc on many of us this time of the year.

For those unfamiliar, wikipedia defines SAD as a mood disorder subset in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in winter.

Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, author of Winter Blues, is the world-renowned researcher and psychiatrist who led the team that first described Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and pioneered light therapy to treat it. He believes about 1 in 20 people in the U.S. has SAD.

Turns out some people need more light than others. For those, the darker and shorter days adversely affects mood and behavior. One can better manage SAD through exercise, stress reduction and trying light therapy. Light therapy can help one maintain healthy sleeping and eating habits that guide the body through it's natural rhythms.


Be Good

A Guide To Low-Waste Bikepacking / Bikepacking.com →
Here's a thorough guide to consuming wisely and being a better steward of the outdoor spaces we enjoy. While written for bikepackers, it is a valuable resource for any type mixed terrain adventure.

Convenience has become so highly prized that we often seek it out without a second thought, even in our outdoor adventures. If you’re disheartened with all the packaging that seems to accompany your pursuit of the simple life, check out this guide for hints and tips for reducing the trash you create on your next bikepacking trip.

Social Good

This time of year is always a challenge in the Northwest as it’s that time when riding conditions aren't ideal and we find ourselves waiting for the fluffy stuff to fall and bring child-like anticipation for the big storms which carry with them adventure and joy for those of us who partake in their bounty.

This time can also be difficult for many, including myself, as the days are short, the sun doesn’t always show itself, and the wet weather can often keep us huddled inside, demotivated from a possible adventure.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D.S. is the real deal, and something I definitely have struggled with in the past, but have been able to manage with awareness, help, and planning ahead. — Read Matt Lieto's full post on Instagram →

Consume Wisely — Watch

Thabang / YouTube →
Thabang Madiba somehow found his way into the world of trail running and in the last few years has become everyone’s favourite in the South African trail scene.

Tugende Amazon Prime / YouTube →
This short documentary tells the story of the 2020 Race Around Rwanda, a 1,000K self-supported bikepacking race.

Consume Wisely — Read

Ego Is the Enemy / Ryan Holiday →

What humans require in our ascent is purpose and realism. Purpose, you could say, is like passion with boundaries. Realism is detachment and perspective.

Passion is about. I am so passionate about ______.

Purpose is to and for. I must do ______. I am willing to endure ______ for the sake of this... Purpose is about pursuing something outside yourself as opposed to pleasuring yourself.

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