Wow! What a Winter!This Winter in particular is challenging; frigid cold, harsh messy conditions, days on end of gray can all contribute to bad moods, boredom and low energy.
I love Summer I find late January through April is my least favorite time of year.
There are many people that I have spoken to lately that suffer a dip in mood in Winter. This can be part of SAD, seasonal affective disorder a condition attributed to a lack of light particularly sun during dark Winter months. It is also due to being immobilized and falling into hibernation mode. Let's face it, it is just is not so fun to go anywhere in this weather. Nearly risking our lives on the slippery roads, bundling up with layers of clothing, getting covered in salt, shivering and shoveling. There are a very few that enjoy this time of year and if you are one you can have it, but most of us to some extent by February 1st have grown tired of it and are feeling the effects.
As with everything we face we are called to make the most of our situation and find the silver lining. The shorter, darker, colder days of Winter may wear you down but they do not have to keep you down.
There are several proven strategies to cope with the Winter blues plus some creative fun suggestions. I encourage you to try some and to create some of your own to share with the rest of us.
Get more light: turn the lights on at home and when there is sun get out in it if tolerable for a brisk walk if it is too cold go for a drive in the sunshine or at least curl up in a sunny window for a while. You may also consider a light box to use at home or on your desk. There is much research supporting the fact that a lack of light contributes to low mood and depression for some it is severe. Even if you do not think you are having a significant issue extra light and sunshine will do you good.
Exercise: Brisk physical activity 45 min 3 x a week is shown in studies to have as good an effect as antidepressants on mild and moderate depression. Already taking anti depressants? Stay on them as your doctor prescribed and add in more movement to feel better. All of us can reap a mood boost with physical activity. Fight the temptations to hibernate!
January a Cabin Fever Party: Turn up the heat, throw on some flip flops and flowered shirts, break out the Beach Boys invite some friends and serve your favorite summer drinks complete with umbrellas. You may even want to start a group that takes turns with Summer parties or outings during Winter. You could go out for BBQ, Play indoor volleyball, go to a tiki bar and so on. Have fun, be with others and turn up the heat.
Try something new: You may find yourself with more time on your hands with less time outdoors around this time of year. Why not do something you have been interested in but putting off? Start a new hobby make time for a long ago pastime, take a class in something that interests you. Join a gym, take dancing lessons, learn Spanish or take a cooking class. The options are endless but engaging your mind in activities that stimulate you will do wonders.
Plan a trip: Of course if you can get away for some sun and fun go for it. Ultimately I would leave the Chicago area in mid January and not return until May...someday.
The weather outside is frightful and Winter in Chicagoland is long. Take steps now as we move into February to make the most of the next 6 weeks conquering the cold, caring for yourself and having a real good time.
What ideas have you tried?
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