I have no get up and go, I’m sleepy and dozy and my brain just doesn’t seem to be functioning at full capacity. I thought for a second that I was getting sick, until I realized that I have a bad case Seasonal Affective Disorder. Which is just the fancy was of saying I got the blues; the cold cold winter blues. The lack of sun and the extreme cold temperatures this winter (and today) have pushed me into singing the blues, much more the usual. Yesterday, Harley and I swam in the winter blues and totally embraced it. Today though, I’m determined to kick it in the butt and shove it out the door. I have things to do, people to see and dragging my feet has already gotten a little old.
VITAMIN D – I made a rookie mistake by not supplementing with vitamin D all winter long, I’m Canadian I should know better.
DAILY EXERCISE – for me it’s yoga and I find the key during these extra bluesy months is not missing even one day – the day I decide not to practice will always be the day I feel at my worst. A daily sweat and punch of endorphins are the icing on the cake to a daily exercise regime, in grey times like these.
COMFORT FOOD – but in a healthy form (since heavy unhealthy comfort food, might make you feel worse) sometimes giving into a craving and making yourself feel comforted in the short term might actually have a longer effect.
BREAK THE SILENCE – during the winter we seem to be home more; silence is nice, relaxing and usually so welcomed. But sometimes it can add to the bluesy mood, in a not so great way – turning on some music can do wonders for changing the mood.
TAKE IT IN – in the summer we tend to be more active, always out and about soaking up the outdoors. The winter is the time to take in all those slower activities you might not have time for in the summer – and remind yourself to enjoy it while it lasts. Grab a book, have a bath, knit a scarf (maybe knit me one too) – come summer these things might not sounds as enjoyable.
CHEER UP SOMEONE – do something nice for someone else, do something to help break someone elses winter blues – their smile might just lighten your clouds too.
GET OUTSIDE – even for a second and especially when the sun is out. Sometimes I’ll find a reason to go to the store, even on the coldest days – just so we can get some fresh air and some sun on our faces, even if it also means my face is frozen.
STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER – however draining florescent lights can be, I’m pretty sure the computer/ipad/phone are much worse. If you are already in the whomp whomp mode, spending too much time on your electronics is only going to do the opposite of helping.
CLEAN HOUSE – a pre-spring cleaning; a sparkly, organized and fresh smelling home always does wonders for my mood. Though this trick is easier said then done, I know.
It is crawl back into bed cold today – but I bundled up and dragged my tired butt to yoga and then for a walk later with Harlow. I need to find that happy medium between giving into the crawling back into bed feelings and fighting them – yesterday I fully gave into them, so today was a good day to fight. Do you have any tips or things you like to do to fight the winter blues? And tell me, do people in warm temps get a taste of the winter blues?
