This may come as a surprise to you, but even I can get a little down in the winter. I am a sunny and 80s kinda girl so these long, cold, dark winter days can tend to get me a little blah.
One of the biggest causes of the Winter Blues is the feeling of listlessness that comes with believing I’m not being productive after the sun goes down. Reading books and binge-watching movies can be a great way to unwind, but at some point, I tend to feel lazy, unproductive and really bored. I’ve cleaned the closets and rearranged the furniture; now what? I’m not really one to sit around and watch that much television. I want to play outside; I want to garden or go fishing. Winters can seem very long for me.
Since I love to make lists, I’ve made one that I hope will help you if you are struggling like me, with the Winter Blahs and what feels like an endless January.
- LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS AND GET MOVING- You may not always be able to go outside but try to get at least 20 minutes of vigorous activity a couple of times a week. If you are lucky enough to have a toddler granddaughter like me- whoooeeee! She will keep you vigorously active!
- CONSIDER LIGHT THERAPY - A decrease in sunlight can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythms and cause a drop in serotonin levels and vitamin D levels, which can lead to depressive symptoms. If you have flexibility and the weather allows for it, schedule an early-morning walk or lunchtime stroll. If you don’t, consider Light therapy. They can be a real game-changer. Those full-spectrum light boxes work wonders to help reset the body's internal clock and boost serotonin. Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.
- PLAN A GARDEN- Probably my favorite of all ideas on this list. This is the time of year to get that garden plot all planned out. Perhaps you do already garden in the spring and summer, but you buy your plants. Now would be a good time to consider starting your plants from seeds. Oh, I get so excited just thinking about this! The thought of the little seedlings poking through the soil and becoming a tender little sprout is enough to shoo-shoo away any winter blues for this country girl. Whether you live on a farm or in an apartment, there is usually some way to grow something in your space. Get creative. Find a local nursery and ask what they suggest if you’re unsure of what works in your area. A small herb garden is always a good place to start if you’re new to gardening. Get a little dirt under your fingernails, you’ll be surprised that you just might like it!
- TRY SOMETHING NEW - Whether it’s as simple as buying an unfamiliar fruit, making that recipe you saw online, or taking up a new craft. I tried crocheting one winter. TRIED being the key word. My sister and I laugh about the year I made the prettiest crocheted “bookmark”. Let’s just say that crocheting was not for me. But I tried and we still laugh about it to this day. So, I suggest that you try something new even if it’s for just 15 minutes a day. Give it a go! It may be a new hobby that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life; or you just may have something new to laugh about for the rest of your life!
- EAT CITRUS - If you’re a pirate, then you know the benefits that Vitamin C can have on your overall health and immune system. If you do a quick online search, you’ll find several articles mentioning the benefits of Vitamin C on mental health. It certainly makes those boxes of Cuties that I’ve been seeing in the grocery stores even that much cuter. Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, guava, kiwi and papaya are all high in Vitamin C. By the way, did you hear about the Pirate citrus embezzling scandal? They were liming their pockets. ARGH! Ok, I’ll see myself off the plank now.