Once again the cold white season is here along with so many things many of us dread. Long nights, short days, cold, and snow everywhere. Even though this is the season many enjoy full of winter activities like skiing, skating and snow shoeing for others of us who hate the cold it causes us to feel cooped up inside. Then we have to shovel snow which we hate. We become lazy and grumpy, binge watching our favourite shows, eating more snacks, and not going to the gym. We’re not much interested in life and feeling drained of energy all through the day. For some its so bad there is a name for it ‘Winter Blues’ or as professionals would call it Seasonal Affect Disorder (S.A.D.).
Good News
The good news is you certainly can do something about it. Professional help is available such as your family doctor who may prescribe medication for depression or anxiety. These can have undesirable side effects such as nausea, weight gain, fatigue and sleep issues. A therapist or counsellor can be a good idea, giving you someone to talk through things with. It requires baring your soul to a stranger but can be beneficial once you get past that.
Advances in technology have offered some solutions such as daylight fluorescent bulbs, LED and daylight LED which have greatly helped some individuals with the winter blues. The bright lights can cause you to become irritable and get headaches and/or eye strain. Which could be made worse by long periods of time on cell phones, tablets and computer screens. All because they are trying to relieve the winter blues in any way they can like games, ebooks and social media.
So what can we do?
There are tons of things you can try. A good start is to spend some quality time with yourself every day. Find a place that can be ‘your space’ where you can have some ‘me time’. Someplace that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable so you can think and make plans to do things on your own like cooking a nice meal, taking a bubble bath, learning a new hobby, crafting or making something nice for a friend or family member. Maybe someone who is going through the same thing you are. You could also read, visit a museum or art gallery or go for a walk alone on a sunny day to get some vitamin D.
Another method is just the opposite. Get out and socialize. Not to say you need to host or attend lots of parties or gatherings. Rather it suggests you take a class, do some volunteer work, attend a workshop or play, or visit your local library. They often have activities going on that are free and fun. Even if its just coffee with a friend you need to find a balance between social time and alone time since they are both important.
Don’t Give up
Try any or all of these things just make sure that you actually give them a chance, an honest effort. It can take time before you feel the positive benefits. The thing is, even if these ideas don’t work for you the fact that you tried and kept busy means spring is closer and closer. You’ve passed the time and I’ll bet, even for a little while, you got to feel better.
For me, I’m simply happy that the season is now coming to a close, which implies it should not be long before spring when there will be more and greater opportunity to travel outdoors without feeling like I’m going to freeze my bum off or get snow in my boots. Hopefully, next winter will be shorter. Until then I’ll attempt to not complain about how warm it is in July when it shows up. So try a number of the suggestions and best of luck, I do know you’ll be able to kick winter blues in the butt.
Tell us your ideas of what would make the season more bearable.
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