Winter Blues

Several years ago I lived in Buffalo, NY where, yes, we often got quite a bit of snow. Luckily for me, we lived in the north suburbs where lake-effect snow isn’t quite so severe. However, worse than lake-effect snow is the length of winters in Buffalo, endless days of gray, dreary skies. Now I grew up in the Northeast; I was used to winter, but day after day of no sunshine really takes its toll. While I didn’t have seasonal affective disorder, I certainly got the winter blues.

Although the winter solstice is past and the days are lengthening, and I’ve been fortunate to have quite a bit of sunshine lately — I know those dark, bleak days are still looming on the horizon, just waiting to make me want to retreat to my bed! So I’m soaking up those bright rays while I can, and planning some strategies to cope with the long stretch until spring. Cause I’ve got too much to do to be hiding in bed.

Some ideas to bring a little sunshine into your day, even when it’s cloudy:

1. Music. This one always works for me. Something bright, cheery, that makes you want to dance. Try some old tunes from your high school or college days, get a little funky. Check out some other resources on musical interludes here.

2. Exercise. Not an easy one, right? Who wants to hit the gym or hop on the treadmill when they’ve got the winter blues? But those natural endorphins are just the thing to perk you up, and add in some music to boot. At least try to take the pooch around the block, you might be surprised how much better you feel. Or maybe RUN that laundry up and down the stairs (okay, that one is even too much for me).

3. Creative Project. Try picking something new to work on, something that is colorful and engaging. Knitting is relaxing, but won’t likely get you over the winter blues. How about something you haven’t tried? Painting, a new paper crafts project? Something messy like from your childhood.

4. Treat Yourself. It needn’t be extravagant. Go to the salon, get a mani/pedi or freshen your locks. Buy yourself some cheap new lip gloss. Put on some perfume and jewelery. Buy flowers just because — a $7 bouquet (like the one I picked up today) could light up the rest of your week.

5. GO to the Movies. Okay, this one is cheating a bit, and you don’t always have the luxury of running away — but if you are really getting down, try an afternoon matinee (with a friend, or even better with your honey). You won’t have to look at the gloomy weather, and when your done it’s nearly dinner time!

If all else fails, there’s always that afternoon cup-o-joe.

What tricks to do you use to get through the winter doldrums?

Amy Bader

Amy is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. A photography course in high school sent her to college with a journalism degree in mind, but some surprises along the way led to a career in veterinary medicine. Motherhood has brought things full circle, and now she is concentrating on her photography, finding her creative self and expressing the joys in life which she shares on her blog, Life in Eden.

About Amy

http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife Lee Currie

I lived in Buffalo too – Cheektowaga/West Seneca – for years and it really does get socked in for months. I’m now on the Ontario side of the lake and still have green grass! For me, the quickest way to get myself out of the blues is to have a summer drink – and iced tea, a pink lemonade, something I save only for summer. It transports me back and I think of days on the beach, watching my kids in the sprinkler, reading in a lawn chair. Ah. Lovely. Thanks for your great ideas. I think I’ll pick up a bouquet today!
http://www.moneywisemoms.com Gina

I have physical issues that come with the winter blues–especially dry skin–so I make sure to pamper myself with thick lotio and socks at night, a mani/pedi as an induglence, and other ways of taking care of my skin so it’s not so bad.
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http://www.penn-fam.blogspot.com Missy June

Aroma – fresh scents

I’m a visual person, so seeing the warmth and light of candles also lifts my mood.

I enjoy growing things, so in December I start to force bulbs which are now emerging indoors during January. Soon paperwhites will be blooming in my windowsill and lavendar is growing by my kitchen sink!
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Lara

I grew up in Orchard Park small world!! I was just chatting with a girlfriend about how this is the hardest part of the year – so dark & dreary especially with kids. For me I try to organize my week on Sunday nights ie meals & activities for the kids (a few crafts or pulling out “hidden” toys). Coffee is a def must especially at the magic bewitching hour of 4pm when the kids climb the walls and trash the house until my husband comes home at 6 :S
http://www.tabithakay.com Tabitha

I lived in Wisconsin for 21 years, so thankful to be in the desert now! On a icky day in the desert I like to head out to the library with my son and he picks out some books for himself and I check out a bunch of magazines. We come home and relax and read.

Otherwise baking some yummy treats always lifts the spirits!!
http://www.bakedbree.com Bree

I could have written this post. Living in Canada was so hard for me because of all of the grey and snow. Getting outside even in the crappy weather helped.