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Topic: Dealing with the winter blues

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Unemployed-gal Posted – 1/31/2008 3:26:20 PM | show profile
Now that February, my "tough month" is almost upon us, its difficult to keep the winter blues at bay. It seems that all my life consists of in the winter is work, lunch, work, gym, dinner, bed. On top of that I'm looking for another job, so the rejection can be difficult on my ego at times. Any suggestions on how to deal with the same-old-same-old of winter?
keltoi2 Posted – 1/31/2008 3:39:00 PM | show profile
Folks in Alaska usually head to Hawaii right about now, but they have an annual $800 check from the state (courtesy oil $$$) to finance it. But to be fair, they're dealing with a lot more darkness and cold.
Mag Girl Posted – 1/31/2008 3:47:13 PM | show profile
getting some daylight and sunshine is essential to staying happy, chemically speaking, in the winter. Step outside at lunch even if it's cold and take a 10- or 15-minute walk. It will help brighten your mood a bit.
rhino writer Posted – 1/31/2008 3:55:56 PM | show profile
Sign up for a dance class instead of going to the gym. Take weekend trips somewhere and get out of your town. Start volunteering somewhere fun (at an animal shelter, if you like animals -- you can play with them). With a friend, try going to a different ethnic restaurant every week. Buy yourself flowers 2x/week. Plan a garden or a windowbox. Turn off the TV and take up knitting or music. Rearrange the furniture at home so things look different. Go to every single event at your local library.
wineaux Posted – 1/31/2008 4:06:41 PM | show profile
I force myself outside. For the sake of the dog, too. I worked all am and then made myself go out for a long, fast paced walk. I can't run in the winter outdoors, but a speedy walk really lifts my spirits. And keeps my dog from forlornly slinking around the house, heaving sighs.

I get very depressed in Feb. I'm thinking of taking up something new this month to try and alleviate the blahs that I get so much this time of year.
foto Posted – 1/31/2008 5:48:04 PM | show profile
For those of us living in the New York metropolitan area, remember, our winters are usually relatively mild. Not much snow, temps usually in the 30s or 40s. Really, its not that bad. Imagine living in Chicago, Detroit or Minneapolis. Now thats real winter.
seeattleme Posted – 1/31/2008 8:07:04 PM | show profile
it's been raining in California for a month straight and I am getting seriously antsy and aggravated. I think the more sun you get, the more you need. Like crack. On top of that, I'm used to running ten miles plus a day and it's impossible to trail run in this rain without slipping. It's COLD here, too!
Feb is a depressing month. My significant other has a February birthday and it's the most depressing thing in the world.
UGoGirl Posted – 1/31/2008 10:52:51 PM | show profile
Hunker down with daily cod liver oil, walks, and improve the ambiance of your home with warm lighting (rather than strong overhead lights use smaller inviting lamps and wall lights).
Nikongirl Posted – 1/31/2008 11:03:51 PM | show profile
I painted my small 7X9 office a delicious medium yellow, it makes working in this winter gloom much more pleasant and inspiring. Our gloomy season started in November.

We have that 'monster' winter storm heading right for us, expected to dump up to 30+ centimeters of snow.

Snow days can be fun, good for hunkering in and working,
writing or watching a movie.
sue ellen mischke Posted – 1/31/2008 11:21:12 PM | show profile
Yeah...imagine living in Chicago...! We are getting 13 inches of snow tonight.

To brighten a mood:

1. Plan a vacation. Even if you don't take one...plan it. It will give you something to look forward to.

2. Someone already said to go outside...but yeah...do that.

3. Cook or prepare a meal you usually have in the summer.

4. Throw an impromptu party.

5. Brood for a full day and wallow in self-pity for not living in a tropical area. (Eventually you will see how silly it is to let the weather affect you so deeply.)

6. Go swimming somewhere...hotel or gym or social club...

Good luck!
writesonwater Posted – 1/31/2008 11:37:06 PM | show profile
Get light. There's all kinds of evidence to suggest lack of light in winter is a real mood affecter, even linking it to higher rates of crime, etc.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and there were months on end when it felt like the movie Snow Falling On Cedars -- dark, dank. I adapted by loving snuggly things, and enjoying brisk walks in dusky conditions. I still miss those, now that I live in the sunny South.
seeattleme Posted – 2/1/2008 12:06:13 AM | show profile
three words.
Hot. Tub. Wine.
keltoi Posted – 2/1/2008 1:09:23 AM | show profile
Reminds me of a classic definition of cabin fever that I once read in an Alaska guidebook: "A 12-foot stare in a 10-foot room."
PublicityChick Posted – 2/1/2008 11:02:18 AM | show profile
light
i faithfully use my "happy light" that emits full-spectrum light. it really helps beat the winter blues.
HisGirlFriday Posted – 2/1/2008 1:17:36 PM | show profile
I often feel better when I do things that I only do when it's cold and miserable - bake lots of cookies, make stews and soups.

On the other hand, we also go for fruity summer drinks in the winter - like Pina Coladas and mai tais.

pholiday Posted – 2/1/2008 1:30:52 PM | show profile
We got a ton of snow in Chicago last night and I have to say - it is pretty spectacular today, white covering everything - every limb of every tree. It is enough to make you love the winter. Now if only we could always have an exorbitant amount of snow and temps above 20 degrees! But yeah - looking at the scenery kind of melts my blues away.
mad fingers Posted – 2/1/2008 2:10:27 PM | show profile
Wailing along with "Born to Run" (insert song you like here) and bopping around the kitchen always cheers me up. Added bonus: dancing makes my dogs go crazy. They can't figure it out, so they usually join in. Always good for a laugh.
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