DO YOU HAVE THE WINTER BLUES YET?

With Christmas over and the New Year celebrations a memory, many people and kids are heading back to their normal routines. Just the normal can bring a feeling of boredom after all the December hoopla. Yes Epiphany is January 6th so some Christian Orthodox people will still celebrate. The busyness and purpose to get things done keeps us focused. January and the rest of the winter months bring that let down feeling whether we like it or not. Taking down the Christmas decorations and putting away the lights makes one's home look bleak. If several months in a sunny location is part of your winter plan, good for you. Most people stay and work and carry on! Accepting the low mood as part of the scenario is a good start. Finding activities to help the mood is a good goal. Remember people need light so the sun not being around as much during the day does not help our moods either. Getting outside for some winter activities helps. Or be a mall walker if you are concerned about falling on slippery sidewalks. Or a trip to the gym to work out helps many people too. If finances are an issue, weekly trips to the library where you can sit and read or peruse the books gets one out of the house. Elderly have a difficult time with winter so if there are relatives or friends in your family circle include them and get them to some social events too. Perhaps there is a reason bears hibernate for the winter. Were humans supposed to do the same? If hibernating at home is your thing, include meaningful activities and events. The modern world with facebook, email, twitter, face time and whatever else can be used helps to stay connected and not isolated. However, real face to face time with real people and real conversations are needed too. Touching and a family hug are good! Talking on the phone to a real voice is good for the soul. Winter blues are real. February is the worst month for depression and suicides. So reach out to others to help with the situation. If you are feeling blue then you reach out to others for your own mental health and sanity. By embracing winter and its activities is one good way to change the attitude from it being a down time to a time with fun and friends. Sounds simple but I walk year round so the walk to work and back gets me some fresh air. If my grandchildren visit and want to play outside, well I often join them for some simple outdoor fun. Just making an effort to be outside helps the mental and physical. If there is decent packing snow, then make a snowman or I guess it should be called a snowperson! Of course if enough snowfalls, snow shovelling gets everyone outside! A good hot chocolate and marshmallows with a cookie is good for all adults. As winter progresses the subject will be revisited. How are you coping so far?