Curing Winter Depression Off Grid | SAD

Living off grid in the winter can potentially be depressing so this is how I cure winter depression, commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I focus on the small things in nature rather than be overwhelmed by the bigger picture, the monotone white landscape that is common here in the Canadian wilderness in the winter. I love it but it does take some effort to see the beauty in nature after several months of quiet, solitude and scarcity of life. I talk about it in this video as I split firewood and stock the cabin with wood for the long, cold nights in the log cabin.

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P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada

Links to gear used at the cabin:

[diorme]

Years ago I lived next to an older couple, Oscar & Esther. They had a hobby farm and were always busy planting, building etc. One cold and clear winter night Esther came over and with a twinkly look in her eyes told me to put on my coat and follow her outdoors. We walked through the woods and the moon was shining so bright we could see our shadows and the shadows of the trees. She showed me two big wooden boxes that were partially buried in the ground with clear plastic covers. She lifted the covers and when I looked in the boxes they were full of blooming flowers. There were Christmas Roses, Dutchmans Britches, Paper Whites, Buttercups etc. I always think of this when winter gets a bit oppressive and though Esther is passed on now she left me with a reminder that in the bleakest days there is still beauty and wonder just under the surface.

[Heavypsychoverdose]

Keep yourself busy and doing winter activities like skiing etc keeps your spirits up. You must learn to appreciate all seasons, a real snow filled winter is a keeper.

[tomwaite]

You are so right about seeing the small things when facing the overwhelming vision of the Great North Woods.
When the pioneers headed west across the Great Plains they had a saying that summed up the vastness and overwhelming task before them:
" Seeing the Elephant" for many turned back many a settler.
As always thanks for your great content, quality footage and crisp editing.

[mountainmamaandherman]

I know exactly what your talking about. I lived on the Canadian border for over 35 years, the cold, snow, and darkness can be depression. I had 4 small boys at the time, we did whatever we could to stay busy. School activities, snow shoeing, going into the woods and cooking out and sledding. Whatever it took to stay busy we did.

[davethebeau]

One of my favorite vids. This will be the one I rewatch in the future. We have been with you since the third course of logs were laid down on the main cabin. We love your work, your growth, your cinematography, and your thoughts. Your reflections about life in this video show how this experience changes a man. Gone is the sensory overload of civilization. Now even the most simple things are a miracle to behold.

[pauledwards]

I suffed terrible with depression, anxiety and spd. What your doing is probably every man's dream. Shawn stay strong although in your cabin you may feel alone I assure you we are here for anytime my friend you over the last two years has us hooked on your YouTube pages not because the talent but the endurance of what your doing is a big inspiration to me and your actually helping me with my personal problems. I thank you so much for that and wish I could make your issues vanish if I could I would shawn I will support you through hell and back just because your my inspiration and a hero in a strange kind of way. You keep going what your doing is worth fighting for.

[williamthompson]

I see winter as nature's way of sleeping. It's clock moves slower than ours, a whole year is its day. We need to sleep about 1/3 of our lives, and nature needs about the same, to rest for awakening to another bright and fruitful "day." Keeping busy and appreciating those little things while nature is sleeping helps us ward off depression while nature "snores." Thanks for another visit with a very practical friend.

[snowfire]

You ARE a wise man Shawn James. You gave excellent advice for helping cope with SAD. Everyone suffers from this at sometime in their life and many people suffer greatly. They seem to forget to appreciate what life God gave us to have stewardship over. Keep being amazed and have wonder to appreciate your gifts. Love from Nova Scotia

[defianxe]

One of my cures is watching your videos, just great keep it up mate.

[TrapDaddy]

I LOVE deep snow under a bright blue sky! It's the times of endless dreary, gray cloud cover that brings me down.

[young-soonkim]

Good Monday Morning Shawn & Cali! Today, we are thawing from the polar vortex! The snowbank here is down by 2/3! It really helps to leave the brighter lights on in the room and take vitamin D in the winter months!

[brianwhite]

Someone suggested bird feeders, and I second that. You might ask local butchers if they throw away suet, the hard fat around beef kidneys. Some do. Large chunks placed in mesh onion bags could be hung on some of your trees in winter, attracting chickadees and nuthatches. They could use the energy. Glad you have Cali for company.

[carmineiadeluca]

Shawn, you treat yourself in good habits in your active times. This is good, in Alaska, cabin fever is a major cause if negative moods & severe depression. You're a good mentor. Thanks for sharing.

[jkmcdonnell]

always something to keep you busy in the winter, firewood, snow removal keeping the cabin livable . Myself I have always loved winter in Canada

[timmcdougall]

Depression is when I can 't get my Shawn James fix lol. So thankful for this channel, I get to see more of what's going on n your neck of the woods. Appreciate all you do. Looking forward to all that you have planned for this upcoming year.

[huntfishfightfire]

February and March can be pretty tough to get through. As I get older I find myself putting a lot more value on little things like hearing the birds sing, watching my kids play with our dog, or creating something. These videos are akin to to that. Thanks for sharing Shawn.

[amparoalvarez]

Being grateful for what you have gives you more of the same and puts you in a place of peace and stillness...

[carolyncrouse]

You try so hard to do your work and the I know snow gets in the way. Bless you for triving

[danielwagner]

Old proverb, “ before enlightenment, chopping wood and hauling water. After enlightenment, chopping wood and hauling water “

[sherylsheppard]

Shawn you can leave the area for a while and then come back. You are so blessed with building. Enjoy watching you building.