I marched this weekend

Writing By Hand

5 Steps to Deal with the Winter Blues

  • January 30, 2017
  • Blog
  • 2 Comments

They’re the barest hint of shadow dogging your footsteps. They’re sneaky. Every year I’m warned about the winter blues and think they’re not near me and then suddenly, around mid to late January, realize they’ve been sticking to my side.

They’re a feeling of blah. Of no motivation. And it sucks.

A lot of people suggest meditation. It’s a good idea.

Others suggest exercise. Probably the best idea, but when the blahs keep me glued to my chair, the very idea of moving makes me sink even deeper into the seat.

It really sucks.

Now that I’m aware they’re here, I’ve been taking small courses of action that helps me:

1. Hang out with people. Writers are a solitary bunch and that makes the winter blues even harder to boot out the door. Schedule grocery shopping trips with a friend if you live alone. That way, you get people interaction and take care of the chores at the same time.

2. Clean house. Going to a gym has no appeal to me, but washing dishes, vacuuming, scrubbing the litter box? Endorphins on the rise.

3. Light. The gray skies of winter take a toll. Make sure your home is properly lit and don’t be afraid to flood it.

4. Meditation. My meditation moments have come about in loom knitting. It’s soothing and slows my thought process in ways that are all good.

5. Go loud. Crank up the music, blast some rock n roll and if you can’t (or won’t) sing or dance, it’s great background for that dish washing I mentioned above. It’s a howl of defiance.

And remember, spring is coming. It is. Hang in there.

Part 2

2 Comments
  • Bernard Ganeles • January 30, 2017 at 1:29 am

    People with the seasonal blahs often have a Vitamin D deficit because they’re not getting enough sunlight or other factors in their diet or health. If can’t get enough sunlight make sure you get Vitamin D in your diet or take supplements. You can find out if you have a deficit by taking a simple blood test. It’s quite common to have the deficit these days.

    • J. M. Levinton • January 30, 2017 at 3:09 am

      I think there are many factors to the winter blues. Getting a checkup couldn’t hurt. 🙂

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