The Silent Killer - Diabetes

Hello and welcome to another episode from me, your host, Julian.

Whilst I normally talk about apps to help you get things done, this time I’m not looking specifically at apps, but at something that has been happening over a number of years and now that I’ve got it under control, I can get on with my life.

In this episode, I’m going to tell you about my experience with Diabetes; and how it impacted on me, and my family.

Now, you may be wondering how this is linked to productivity; and I'll tell you - because until I knew what was wrong, this impacted on my ability to function properly.

This story starts many years ago; but came to a head in the summer of 2016.

Although I felt absolutely fine in myself, I had one major complaint.

  

I was constantly needing a wee!

I used to plan my journeys home from work so that I could make it all the way home with needing a break!  At work, I’d disappear every couple of hours.

I also found that I was getting tired during the day.  I was sleepy through meetings. I’m sure you’ll agree this isn’t the best idea!!

Whilst this had been going on for some time, it took a visit to Bournemouth for me to finally take action.

It wasn’t possible to complete the journey down the motorway without me needing to stop for a ‘comfort break’ at least twice.  Then, at the beach, I’d be back and forth from the loo every couple of hours!  Not to mention ‘disappearing’ when at the house.

So I arranged to visit the doctor, and we had a chat, he asked me some questions, and he took some blood, for testing.

One of the tests was for the level of HbA1C in my blood.

This is the technical term for glycated haemoglobin; in other words, how much sugar is attached to the blood cells.

In normal people the figure is 42mmol/l (millimols per litre) or below.

The reading for my HbA1C was 102!  Off… the… scale….

There you have it.  

The answer to my problems.

I have Type 2 Diabetes.

Within a week I visited the nurse, and she spent a very long time explaining all the symptoms and side-effects of diabetes. 

The do’s and don’ts, along with what I would be doing to reduce the effects and, more importantly, reduce that large reading.

There are many symptoms of diabetes.

For me, it started with the constant urinating… let’s qualify what I mean by constant.  I was going to the loo every 2 hours!  On average, 10 times every day!  However, there were two other major effects; that of lethargy and extreme thirst.  

I was frequently tired, had difficulty staying awake at work (not good) and driving long distances was a trial; not least because I’d need the loo.  

The nurse prescribed Metformin, a diabetes drug, which I’ve been taking twice a day, and continue to do so, every day.  

I was advised to exercise, and lose some weight.  

I should add that I wasn’t massively overweight at the time; in fact, when the nurse first saw me, her initial reaction was “you don’t look like someone who has diabetes”!  

Ain’t that just typical! 

Along with all the advice, I was given a glucose monitoring kit, to check my blood sugar levels on a regular basis.

The one thing I would say about checking glucose is that whilst it gives a good indication, the results are very transitional.  

It is just at that single moment in time.  An hour later and it could be different.

Sometimes, I’ve had really good readings, and other times, I can’t work out why they’re high!  
Sometimes, they’re even lower than expected - again, the readings are a moment in time.

Which is why the HbA1C reading, when they send off a sample of blood for testing, is based on the previous 3 months - which is how long blood cells hold onto the sugar.  I’m simplifying it, of course, but that’s what it does.

For those that don’t have experience of diabetes, or know anyone living with it, describing it is not something that can be done quickly; but I’m going to try and sum it up.

We have blood cells racing round our bodies, providing energy and nutrients as needed.  When we eat, the sugar gets absorbed into the blood stream, and gives us the energy we need.  

Right?  

Well, in a non-diabetic person, yes.

With me, the sugar wasn’t getting absorbed into the blood cells.  

It was knocking on the door, but the cells wouldn’t let it in!  

The consequence of this is not only could I not get the energy that I needed, but the sugar levels were building up with nowhere to go.

OK; they did have somewhere to go - out.  In my wee!  And because I was going so often, I would feel thirsty, so I would be drinking more, which as you can now see became a vicious circle - I needed to wee again!

Once I started taking Metformin, the blood cells ‘unlocked', allowing the sugar to enter, therefore increasing my energy levels and reducing my need to wee.  What’s more, this change happened virtually overnight.  It was amazing.

As you may have gathered, apart from the medication, managing diet is one of the key aspects to controlling type 2 diabetes.  

Sugar is the ‘enemy’.  By that I refer to glucose; added sugar.  Food made with sugar.  

Sucrose, the natural sugar found in fruit and veg is not bad, but again, it must be controlled.
Pineapple is full of sugar.  Grapes are very high in sugar content.  Melon too.  So, those fruits, as far as I’m concerned is a no-no.

Blueberries are very good, and I eat oranges, apples and bananas.

The other ‘baddie’ is carbohydrates.  

These turn to sugar in the body, so reducing carb intake is very important.  

Vegetables that grow underground are not as good as those over-ground.

It’s been a complete re-education and I’ve been very careful to watch what I’ve been eating, allowing myself an occasional treat. Although, I’ve lost the taste for chocolate and sweets - I find myself no longer missing them as much as I used to.

Nuts are good too.  They’re nutritious; although quite fatty, but almonds are reputed to the best for diabetics, and unsalted peanuts and cashews and pistachio nuts are also good.

I also started drinking a cholesterol reducing drink each day.  That has reduced my cholesterol level to below the minimum government guidelines - which currently is 5.

To help bring my weight down, I bought a cross-trainer, which I've been using daily.

Not only has it raised fitness levels, and I’ve lost some weight, but this has helped to reduce my latest reading to an encouraging 55.

Another benefit is that the cross-trainer isn’t just for me, so fitness levels at home are increasing all round!

How long have I been suffering with this?

I think it’s been about 8 years!!  

I say ‘think’ because quite honestly I don’t know!  I thought it was all normal!  

It crept up on me; but the more I look back on my symptoms, the more I realise that’s what it must have been, all along.

Having read information about diabetes, it can take up to 10 years before it’s diagnosed.  

Diabetes is not specifically hereditary; so you can't use that as a guide.  

Certainly, in my case, none of my family has ever had it.  So I can't 'blame' them!

I consider myself lucky.

Knowing what was causing my symptoms was a major factor in feeling better about myself.

Thankfully, being type 2 means I’m not dependent on insulin, so I don’t  need to inject myself.  

With a controlled diet to keep my sugar intake to a minimum, and daily exercise, I can honestly say that my life has changed for the better.

Just imagine:

• I can now sit through a film at the cinema without needing to nip to the loo.  
• I can drive without worrying about needing the loo.  
• I can make it through the day without fighting to stay awake; especially after meals 
• I’m eating healthier.
• I’m feeling fitter.

It's not just about the diabetes.

There are some other major factors to consider.  

Diabetics are at an increased risk of stroke or heart attacks, kidney failure and loss of sight.  

Not to mention the threat of amputation, due to damaged nerve endings!

It is very scary stuff.

One other thing I would like to say.  The NHS has been fantastic.  The care I have received at my local clinic has been second to none.  

The nurse has done all the checks; from my weight and blood pressure, to checking my feelings in my feet.  
Why?  
Because diabetes can cause damage to nerve endings - this could me if I cut my foot I wouldn’t know about it, and the cut could become infected, leading to all sorts of outcomes - including amputation.  I always wear slippers when I’m at home.

I also have annual eye tests.  These are more in-depth than what you have at the optician, as the clinic take a very high definition photo of the back of your eyes, to see if there is any damage to blood cells.

I have what is called Background Retinopathy - which means there is a very slight change, but nothing that can be sorted at this time.  If I’m not careful, this could escalate and I could lose the sight in one or both eyes.

THAT is how important it is to keep fit and watch what you eat.

Not only that, but Diabetics are entitled to all prescribed medication free of charge.  Which, considering I have monthly renewals of the Metformin (at approx £8 at time) as well as any antibiotics I may need (I had a tooth out recently and they were just given to me); this is a real saver.
Otherwise, I can see people not taking the medication because they can’t afford it, and then creating further strain when the other problems occur.

Diabetes is a silent killer.

According to Diabetes UK, almost 4 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Of those, around 90% of people have Type 2 diabetes. Around 10% of people have Type 1 diabetes. 

It is thought there are another million people living with undiagnosed Diabetes.

Are you at risk?  

If in doubt, get a blood test.  

At the very least, my advice is watch your weight and your diet.

There is masses of information on the internet; and I will add the links to a couple of sites in the show notes.

Do you suffer from diabetes?  How are you managing?  What do you do to control the impacts?

Find out more information at:

Diabetes UK

Diabetes.co.uk

Get in touch via the comments below, or Twitter @prodmatters.

I hope you found this episode interesting. 

Please don’t forget to subscribe where you normally listen to your podcasts and until next time, remember, Productivity Matters.

Equipment I use to make my podcasts:

Blue Yeti Microphone - https://amzn.to/2R2am1N

Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/2OVMbQP

Professional Microphone Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/2P4EIio

If you purchase from these links then I may receive a commission.  This does not affect the price you will pay.  Thank you.

The Great Taboo - Money Talk

Introduction

Money makes the world go around… so goes the song.

However, it’s knowing how to manage the money that makes YOUR world go around that can make all the difference.

Money is considered by some to be a taboo subject to talk about, and in this episode I’m going to take a look at a budgeting tool that has helped me, and I’m sure will help you too, to understand where your money is going, and what you can do to manage it better.

Control

In order to be in control of our finances, we need to understand our position at all times.

Whether we want to save money for a specific event, like a holiday or wedding; or we have monthly outgoings that seem to outstrip our income, the use of a planner has helped me to regain control.

I use a planner called MoneyDashboard, and it’s available on the web, and via the Google Play store for Android and the App Store for iOS.

MoneyDashboard is completely free to use; and I’ve been using it for the last few years.

Well, I say I’ve been using it - admittedly, I have only played with it; and it wasn’t until I got caught very short, that I dived in and spent some time working with it to add all the information needed.

MoneyDashboard is an aggregator.  It’s important to point out that whilst it can ’see’ your accounts, it does not have the ability to withdraw any funds, nor move money around.  It is purely to gather all your account information in one place.

It’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and uses bank-level security. In fact, according to their website, they’ve been operating for 8 years, and imported over 250 million transactions.

They also make use of the new Open Banking standards.

How It Works

MoneyDashboard connects with all the major banks, and some you’ve never heard of; so whether you bank with one of the big four, or the newer startups like Starling or Monzo, or you bank with another institution, then you should be able to link your account.

So, how does it work?

Once you’ve created an account, the first thing to do is link your accounts.

You do this by entering your login credentials.  This sounds a little crazy, but trust me, this is totally secure.

When you’ve added your details, MoneyDashboard will connect with the bank and pull back your balance details.  If you have more than one account, then all of them will appear - such as a current account and a savings account.

If you’re with Starling or Monzo, then it will  retrieve each Space, or Pot, and show you each of those.

You can colour code each account, so you can see each one at a glance.

This also works for credit cards, and you’ll see the negative balance, if applicable, of the outstanding debt.  Scary - but useful.

Once you’ve done this for each bank, you can see a consolidated figure at the top of the screen.

The very top figure is the net balance of positive and negative values.

Below that are the individual figures.  It is possible to make exceptions for some accounts - for example, having a mortgage value included will artificially inflate the negative balance.

Dashboard

The main dashboard can be configured, but shows things like outgoings by group, recent transactions, transactions that haven’t been tagged and budgets.

Across the top of the screen are the various sections of the app.

A list of the linked accounts, a view of all transactions, the budgets and the planner.

You can filter by accounts, to make things easier to understand.

Transactions

This is all good, and it’s useful to know that the account information is automatically updated at frequent  times; although you can force a refresh whenever you want.  Bear in mind this is limited to around once every couple of hours, to reduce strain on the bank systems.

When you look at your transaction lists, MoneyDashboard will have a very good go at putting tags against each one.  This helps with future reporting and budgeting.

Where it can’t do it, then you can add a tag, either from the hundreds that are built in, or you can create your own.  And you can set rules that mean the next time a similar payment is made (or received) then it will be tagged the same way.

Once you done the tagging, you can then move onto the budgets.  Of course, this is completely up to you.

These are done using the tags, so it might be worth waiting a bit to see where your money is going, before setting budgets.

The Planner

The next part of the system is my favourite.  The Planner.

This is a graphical representation of your chosen accounts, to see the status now, and the future, based on known income and outgoings.

When you click on ‘Add Prediction’ at the top of the screen you can either choose from a number of auto-suggested predictions - those are made up from the transactions that have been imported; and you can select them, add a recurrence and leave it at that; or you can add a new prediction of your own.  For example, you may want to see the impact if you spend a certain amount.  

You can do this for all accounts, and you can filter which account to look at.

You can also look at either 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 or 12 months into the future.  By running your cursor over the dots, you can easily see income and outcome.

If you prefer a calendar view, then this is available from a link at the top of the screen.

For me, this is the most important part of the system.  The ability to see my income and expenditure in one place, and understand how things will look towards the end of the month; and indeed, see each days predicted balance, is a game changer.

I know so much more, and by adding future expenses, like car and house insurance; even though I don’t know the exact price, I can build in an approximation to see where I stand.

How Is It Free?

So, the question is, how can all this be free?

MoneyDashboard was voted the UK’s Best Personal Finance App 2017 and 2018 at The British Bank Awards.

They have raised over £1.5m from crowdfunding and they sell the data insights that they harvest from you and me to serve some of the world’s largest fund managers.  Don’t worry, the data is anonymous - no-one knows it’s you.

Conclusion

I have only really scratched the surface about the functionality of what MoneyDashboard has to offer.

Whilst there are other offerings out there, like Emma or Yolt; MoneyDashboard is the only one to offer a web interface as well as the mobile apps.  This means you can view all the information on a large screen; something that makes it much easier to read and understand.

I should point out that I have not been paid by MoneyDashboard, for this review.

I am just a happy user, who likes to share where I think it’s due.

I hope you’ve found this episode interesting.

If you have any questions or comments about anything I’ve mentioned, then please get in touch the comments below or via Twitter @prodmatters

Equipment I use to make my podcasts:

Blue Yeti Microphone - https://amzn.to/2R2am1N

Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/2OVMbQP

Professional Microphone Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/2P4EIio

If you purchase from these links then I may receive a commission.  This does not affect the price you will pay.  Thank you.

Images courtesy of  MoneyDashboard

TickTick v ToDoIst - Which one do I prefer?

Hi all, it's Julian, here again.

If you've listened before, then welcome back.  If you're new to this podcast, then welcome - thanks for joining us.  The idea of this podcast is to give you hints and tips about being more productive, as well as talking about apps that will help to achieve this.

In a previous episode, I looked at ToDoIst, a terrific app for managing tasks, and today I’m going to look at that again, this time alongside another task management too, TickTick.  

Ready?  Let's do this...

I don't know about you, but I always find I have a bucketful of things to do, and on more than one occasion forget to do some of them.  

If you don’t currently use an app to manage your tasks you probably have some sort of system in place, even if it’s just a pen and paper. 

There are a number of task manager apps available, and I've tinkered with a few of them. However, about 4 months ago I discovered ToDoIst, which has been my go-to app for tasks; and recently I was pointed in the direction of TickTick - so I thought I'd do a comparison of the two.

For the purposes of this comparison, I am looking at the premium versions of both; and whilst they have a lot in common, there are some subtle differences.

First of all, I should tell you that both of them are cross-platform apps; which means you can use them on the web, iOS, macOS, Windows and Android.  So, whatever your system, you won’t have an issue using these.

At their most basic level, all you need to do is launch the app, enter a task and and that's it.  Over time, you'll build up a raft of tasks that you can manage through at your own pace.

Both apps have a default Inbox, where tasks will automatically go when you create them.

Of course, just adding tasks isn’t going to be of much use, unless you add some target dates to complete them.  You can add date and/or a time as you create the task, or you can revisit the list and manage them at a later time.

Both applications use date parsing, which means you can type using natural language; that is, as you would speak, rather than enter a date or time in a certain format.  This makes it easier to capture due dates.

The biggest bugbear for me is when I create a task with either a due date, or a recurring task.

In ToDoIst, when I enter "Create a task every day at 12pm" - the task title is "Create a task".  The schedule is updated with the time.

On TickTick, entering the same task creates a task title "Create a task every day at 12pm" - the schedule is set, but the recurrence is in the title - and that's just plain annoying.

It's the same with a date and time.  For example, “Make appointment at the dentist on 12th December at 6pm" will just render "Make appointment at the dentist" as the title on ToDoIst - but on TickTick, I see the whole phrase.

Maybe it's me. What do you think?

Now, you may be using task management, not just for work OR personal, but for both.  And you may have tasks relating to specific projects.  Both of these apps allow you to create projects and assign the task to them.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a default ‘Inbox’ which all tasks will automatically be assigned to.  However, with different projects, you can assign to them instead, and help to keep them separate.  

You may have recurring tasks, that happen either daily (like checking tomorrows’ tasks), weekly or monthly and these are easily created in both.  

Once you’ve created your tasks, then you need to remember to do them and both apps have the ability to set reminders and notifications that pop-up at the appointed time.

One aspect of TickTick which is quite good is the ability to set multiple reminders for the same task.  Now; this shouldn't really be necessary, but, you can have a reminder pop-up an hour before the due time, and then again 5 minutes before the due time, etc.

It's clever, and this isn't something that you can do with ToDoIst.   Personally, I can't think of a specific use case for this - as, once the reminder has popped up it will stay there until you either clear it, or mark as complete.  So, multiple reminders could be distracting.

Both apps allow you to forward emails, to create tasks.  I think ToDoIst does this slightly better; especially as you can email directly into a project.

When you email directly, then TickTick presents the mail inline; so you can read it.  ToDoIst presents it as an attachment.

However, I also use Spark for my mail, and there is a direct integration with ToDoIst which means I can save an email directly to a project, using either the link or the full email.  Once saved in ToDoIst, I can also launch the email directly from the task.

As far as I can tell, there are no integrations with TickTick.

If you are moving away from another task manager, then TickTick does have the upper hand, as it offers direct import from backups from the likes of ToDoIst, Wunderlist, Omnifocus, Toodledo and iCal.

ToDoIst doesn't support direct import, but they do provide information about how to do it.

Of course, you can set all the tasks you need, but if you don’t prioritise them, you could end up where you started; a list of things to do, but with no real direction.

Setting a priority is key, and each app has 4 levels, ranging from P4 (or No Priority), up to P1 (or High Priority). Each is colour-coded so you can see at a glance where the important tasks are.

You can add a comment to each task, and also create sub-tasks.  You can also add attachments, to help with the detail of the task.

If you’re using the apps in a business scenario; with teams, then you can assign tasks to other individuals.

Both apps also have the ability to add tags, and you can set up filters (in ToDoIst) or Smart Lists in TickTick.  They both give you the flexibility to report on specific tasks; such as ‘All outstanding tasks’ AND ‘over 4 days old’; or High Priority tasks due today.  You might want to see all tasks assigned to a person, or anything that is more that 365 days old!

Reporting on progress is quite important, and one thing I like about ToDoIst is the ease with which to see how many tasks have been completed each day or week.  This is because you can set targets for completion; e.g. 5 tasks per day, or 30 tasks per week.  You can then see how long you’ve kept a streak of maintaining the goals.

ToDoIst also tracks, what they call Karma.  Again, this is just for fun, and means you raise to different levels the more points you get.  I’m currently a Master; and once I reach 20000 points, I’ll be a Grand Master, leading to Enlightened, at 50000 points.

Depending on how you’re going, you can earn or lose points each day.  You can boost your Karma by adding and completing tasks on time, or by using features such as labels, recurring deadlines and reminders

Next to consider is usability.  Now, this comes down to personal preference, and whilst I’ve been using both, I find ToDoIst more intuitive to use, out of the box.  The look and feel of TickTick, for me, is a little cartoonish; and whilst this shouldn’t impact on my belief that it can do the job, for some reason, it just does.

I also don’t like that TickTick displays the date or time of the task in the title.  That’s a show-stopper for me.

I find ToDoIst is clearer and crisper in the layout.  I also note that TickTick doesn’t appear to have a vacation mode.  This is great for when you take time out, go away, and don’t want to miss any streaks.  OK; I know that’s also just a game, in reality, but it’s another subconscious way to help achieve all the tasks that are set.

I have found that since I started using a task manager, I have been much more focussed and it has helped to get things done; whether to complete a project, or just because I need to remember to make phone calls; or other things like change my contact lenses every 2 weeks, or renew my tram ticket each month.

So, what about the cost?

At the time or writing, ToDoIst is £36 per year, and TickTick is $28 (which is about £22) per year.  Remember that they both have a free services, so you can try out most of the functionality before you buy.  It would be nice if they gave access to all the functionality for a limited time, so that you can see a like-for-like comparison, and then decide if you want to buy it.  But they don’t - so you’ll have to decide based on the free service alone.

Conclusion
Thank You

So, in conclusion, and to add a meaningful resolution to this episode.  I am firmly in the ToDoIst camp.  I know I’ve been using it for longer, but I have spent the last couple of months with TickTick, unfortunately it's not for me.  

That doesn't mean it's not for you - so give it a try.  Links to both apps are in the show notes.

If you have any questions about ToDoIst or TickTick, or indeed anything else productivity related, then please get in touch via Twitter @prodmatters

If you’ve listened to the very end, then thank you.  Tweet me the phrase “Task managers help me stay on task” and I’ll give you a shout out in a future episode.

Don’t forget to subscribe where you normally listen to your podcasts and until next time, remember, Productivity Matters.

Equipment I use to make my podcasts:

Blue Yeti Microphone - https://amzn.to/2R2am1N

Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/2OVMbQP

Professional Microphone Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/2P4EIio

If you purchase from these links then I may receive a commission.  This does not affect the price you will pay.  Thank you.

The SAD Affair

Hello and welcome to another episode from me, your host, Julian.

Whilst I normally talk about apps to help you get things done, this time I’m not looking specifically at apps, but at something that happened to me some years ago, that had a serious impact on my ability to function properly.

We often hear how important it is to speak up, and whilst I wan’t actually diagnosed with depression; in that I have never been on medication for depression, I did suffer some of the symptoms, and finally understood what it was.

So, in this episode, I’m going to tell you about my experience with SAD - Seasonal Affected Disorder.

----

"I want to tell you a story.  Are you sitting comfortably?  Then I'll begin....

I have always said that I'm a summer person.  Maybe it's because I was born in July.  I like the bright sunny mornings, late evening sunsets; and, hopefully, the sunshine in-between.

Like most people, I'm not a great fan of winter.  Dark, cold, icy, wet, windy, miserable days.  Oh, sure it's not bad to look at from the warmth of home, watching the trees being blustered about and the rain lashing down against the windows.  The logfire burning in the fireplace, lights turned dow..... oh, please!!

The reality is, it's dark, cold, unpleasant, and no-one enjoys it.

A couple of years ago, around this time, I started feeling down.  I mean really down. I just wanted to curl up and be left alone.  I couldn't concentrate on anything.  Reading a book (something which I love doing) was hard work. Actually going to work was no pleasure.  I also had a constant headache.

I couldn't put it down to anything in particular.  I knew it was happening,  but didn't know why!  I did know that they were the classic symptoms of depression, but I didn't want to take any medication.  This was a sudden onset, and I wanted to see what happened.

I decided to visit the doctor, who was happy enough to sign me off work for 2 weeks; for stress. 

I told friends and family I was working from home.  They know me as a happy, cheerful kinda guy, and this would have worried them.

During those two weeks, I had an epiphany.  I was going to give up my job and "go it alone".  I spent the days researching business, speaking to agencies, planning my new start.

With my two weeks almost over, and still feeling depressed, I went back to the doctor, who had no hesitation in prescribing me another fortnight.  That took me to the end of January.  By the end of the month, I had created my business, written my letter of resignation and was all set to go.

Still, I had no idea what was wrong.  Sub-consciously I started to feel brighter, maybe because I had made such a life changing decision.

At the end of February, I left the company I had spent 13 years working for and 3 days later I started life as an independent freelancer.

You'll notice that it's almost springtime.  The mornings were brighter, and so was my mood.

Following those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, we'll now jump forward until the end of 2008. 

The beginning of December, in fact.

Once again, my mood deteriorated.  I was cold, wanted to be alone, and at times just wanted to cry.  My headaches had returned.  Now I was stumped.  I recognised this was a repeat of the last year, and I realised that it couldn't be because of my work.  I'm my own boss now, something that I love.

What the hell was it?

I remembered hearing about Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and did some research into what it is, and how to deal with it.

Another trip to the doctor later (and this time not wanting time off work, or medication) he agreed that it sounded very much like it.  He suggested the use of a light box; to help boost the hormones that keep me 'up'.

The lamps I had seen were big and unwieldy. I wanted something small and unobtrusive.  The lamp I use is portable enough to fit into a small bag.  It has been a life-changer.

I started to use it again, last week, to combat the dark mornings since the clocks changed.  I can honestly say that I have no feelings of depression.  I'm not curling up, I don't feel chilly and I'm not ready to burst into tears.  No headaches either.

I still don't like winter. But at least I can now get through it with a smile on my face."

Have you ever suffered from SAD, or does it still affect you.

How are you managing?  What do you do to control the impacts?

Get in touch via Twitter @prodmatters

I hope you found this interesting. 

Please don’t forget to subscribe where you normally listen to your podcasts and until next time, remember, Productivity Matters.

Equipment I use to make my podcasts:

Blue Yeti Microphone - https://amzn.to/2R2am1N

Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/2OVMbQP

Professional Microphone Boom Arm - https://amzn.to/2P4EIio

If you purchase from these links then I may receive a commission.  This does not affect the price you will pay.  Thank you.