Hello, Kossacks! An old friend of mine was asking people this morning about how to keep her spirits up in the dead of winter. When you've got what's usually called the "winter blues," you could pretty much try anything to shake yourself out of it.
In the late fall and wintertime (there's not a dime's worth of difference between the two here in Oklahoma anyway), I generally find my attitude starts to suck. This hasn't happened to me this year, but I do empathize with those of you who are going through it.
So I'm writing today, as a friend, to offer a little advice -- some things that have worked for me -- in this nonpolitical, community-minded diary.
Of course, I am not a doctor and I don't have a degree in anything except writing and editing the news. So please don't take anything I have to say as a substitute for something a doctor or therapist has told you.
If what you have is worse than just a general "blue" feeling, you could have depression, which is a serious problem and can't simply be "shaken off." If this is your problem, please see a professional.
Now, let's go!
Idea No. 1: Get some light on your bod.
In most places, the sky is generally dimmer and grayer in the winter. The days are shorter. And because of the cold, you're not going outside the way you do in the spring and summer. So a little light therapy can go a long way toward improving your mood during this time of year.
Consider waking up a little earlier so you can watch the sunrise. Bundle up, head out into the outdoors and feel the warmth of the rising sun. It's a great mood booster! When was the last time you really watched a sunrise? I bet it's been too long.
Take advantage of days where there is some sun. Get outside and enjoy the day, even if it means putting off an errand or some housework.
Also, and this tip may not be for everyone, consider booking a little time in a tanning booth. There are dangers to tanning that I'm sure you're already aware of. But I've found a little fake sunlight when there's no real light available can boost your mood for days.
Idea No. 2: Introduce some exercise.
Yeah, I know. We should all be exercising anyway. Just about any self-improvement article or book, no matter what the goal, will tell you to exercise. But when it comes to improving your mood in the winter, you don't have to go all-out and spend hours on a full-body fitness regimen.
The point is simply to get your heart pumping and your endorphins firing. Even if it's just a 15-30 minute thing, you'll still be able to feel the difference when you're done. And to boot, you'll get the feeling that you've done something productive with your time.
Idea No. 3: Take the time to cook a favorite recipe
There's so many great meals that we associate with wintertime. In my house, we do spicy chili with cheddar cheese, beans and salt pork with cornbread, chicken soup with dumplings, pot roast with potatoes and carrots, and many more.
Take your time and enjoy the entire process of planning the meal. Be creative. Try a dish you've never done before, or cook up an old favorite with a new twist. For example, have you ever tried chicken noodle soup with fresh rosemary? Now is the perfect time to spend a little time and thought on something you've always wanted to try in the kitchen.
Of course, take care with the sweets and starches. Part of feeling "blah" is having cravings for this kind of food. So do indulge a bit, but remember moderation. And this idea works best when you use Idea No. 2 (exercise).
Idea No. 4: Get on a good sleep schedule
Avoid the temptation to sleep in just because you can. Oversleeping can make you feel even worse. And don't stay up too late either. On weekends or whenever you have time to yourself, you'll be better off making the most of your day -- trying out some of the other ideas on this list.
You might feel dull going to bed at a decent hour instead of staying up doing something you'd rather do, but you'll be better for it in the morning. And if you get behind on your rest, a 30-45 minute nap (not too long) can be rejuvenating in the middle of the day.
Idea No. 5: Treat yourself
No, I don't mean medically. I mean splurging a bit on something just for you. Something small can provide a big boost: A music album or DVD, a massage or manicure, a nice bottle of wine, a dinner out with your SO or loved ones. And not all indulgences cost money. Try a long soak in the tub with low lighting and something (bath oil, candles, etc.) that smells good.
Sure, it might feel a little selfish to spend time and money just taking care of yourself, but ask yourself whether you might really need to. What was the last thing that you did that was just for you?
Idea No. 6: Dietary supplements and vitamins
There have been studies linking fish oils (which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids) with the treatment of depression. Of course, stuff like this shouldn't be a substitute for real, medical help. But a good diet with the nutrients you need can have a positive impact on your mood. Flaxseed oil and most kinds of fish are also good ways to get more Omega-3s into your diet.
Vitamins have worked pretty well for me as a mood-booster. Especially B-complex vitamins. They tend to make me feel more focused and alert, which obviously you don't feel when you've got the blahs. Consider combining this with some Vitamin C just for good measure. If your mood isn't great, chances are your tired feeling mind and body could have your immune system running at less than 100 percent.
Idea No. 7: Spring clean in the winter
Set aside a day to do some power-cleaning. Straighten up your house and reorganize some things. Don't forget to keep your workspace neat as well. This will give you the feeling of a fresh start -- and you get the additional bonus of a pretty good physical workout from all that vacuuming and dusting and sweeping.
If you're feeling especially vigorous, you might find yourself wanting to re-arrange a room or two. Maybe move a couch, a chair or a table around and give your living room or bedroom a slightly different look. You don't have to totally renovate the joint, but a better, cleaner space can be good for the soul.
More Tips: (sorry, but these won't be in the poll)
Try something new that you've always wanted to do. The point is to break with the routine and maybe spark a hobby or interest that will outlast the cold, gray winter.
Plan a garden for spring, discover a new book at the library, listen to classical music or another genre you've never tried before, experiment with watercolor painting, fix something in your home DIY-style, learn a new skill like crocheting for example.
You don't have to be good at it instantly, the point is just to do it.
The big rule is Balance
No matter which of these tips you think might work for you, the main thing you need to maintain during the winter is a sense of balance. The winter blues make you want to cut corners, procrastinate, or just plain refuse to do all the things you usually do. If you let things slide, you'll find your mood slipping as well.
If you're like me, it feels like you have to spend a little energy to have energy. Exercising, working on a project or straightening up your home can leave you feeling energized instead of depleted. It's kind of a paradox, I know.
And furthermore, if you don't feel much better after trying one or a few of these things -- don't get frustrated by that. Just keep at it. It's not always an overnight thing, feeling better.
If your blues might be something more serious, like depression or another diagnosable mental health issue, please don't ignore it. Get help. Depression in particular is a common problem. And there are doctors and treatments that can help.
So work, indulge, rest, organize -- but all in moderation. Don't let any one area of your life get overworked or neglected, and you can feel more whole than you did before, regardless of the crappy weather.