5 More Ways to Melt the Winter Blues
James Dugan
KimManleyOrtThis is the time when the hearty spirit is tossed into the closest trashcan, and even the most optimistic are facing the turmoil of another day of gray skies. We have hit the time of year when part of our daily existence is to cheer ourselves up. So to keep our lunch from getting glum, I hope to add to this list of Ways to Beat the Winter Blues.
1) Head to an Event with Lots of People
Be it a Sixers or Flyers game, it is time to be in a crowd. The last crowds we have been around were the psycho holiday shoppers. We have to rinse out that bad taste of humanity’s greed, and just enjoy ourselves in a public event. I prefer loud with lots of food, but the kids enjoy the Circus and the roaring Monster Trucks. If the budget crunch has you, college and high school basketball games are in full swing. Most importantly, the smiles will renew your spirit.
2) Snuggle up to a Good Book
We are so used to living a fast pace that when the gray and cold lock us in, we are left with doing circles in houses. We have to take a page from the Summer and warm months when it is okay to take a few hours and just read in the sun or breeze. We can get the same enjoyment if we allow ourselves to be taken away in a book. Most importantly, let you escape into fictional story that smells like suntan lotion and has a fudge popsicle stain on the page’s corner.
3) Exercise – but Do It Differently
This is important because even the most avid exercisers can get depressed as we hit the halogen lights of the gym or you find that all those New Year’s resolutions are still taking a spots on the treadmill. This is an opportunity to take a class on Saturday that we would not think about during the Summer. Joining a roller hockey or basketball league makes for a circled date on the weekly schedule that involves a social activity and doing something different. My favorite winter activity for January to April is swimming. It has a rejuvenating power to it and the water is an escape unto itself.
4) Visit Friends and Family – Forgive Those Christmas Gifts
Has it been almost a month since Christmas? It is time to take a trip over and see the relatives. During these months, the weeks grow longer and loneliness can lead to isolation. The best way to get over depression is to spend time with friends and family. You will find they will need your smile as much as you need them. Even a few hours of watching television together or taking a walk in the cold will improve your spirit. Call a couple of others and show off that new sweater you received from the said person during the holidays.
5) Paint the House Red – Well, Maybe Another Color
This is the time your paintbrushes have been drying for. You can choose a small room and tackle it in one day. Open up the blinds and paint by the winter light. Do not wait another day and don’t wait for spring. While the snow and sleet are making the roads a mess, you can make your inside a new, refreshing color. Look around for small projects that can make a big difference and can give your off time a new sense of direction. A little home improvement during the weekend will give you something to talk about come Monday’s lunch. It is also a visible and constant sign that you did not waste the time while suffering from the winter’s worries.
These are just five ideas to help beat the year’s doldrums. It is important that we enjoy every season, even the ones that do not necessarily move us to be cheery. With a little help from our friends, paint, games, exercise, and books, we will miss Cabin Fever with the first sign of the blue bird.
Reader Comments (4)
Finally, regarding AU - I've been, and I concur wholeheartedly, although not about Perth, since I only made it to Alice Springs and Sydney. GORGEOUS and clean and ideal for fighting the winter blues! If you can catch and Aussie Rules game, you're set!
Finally, that is two for Australia -- if the lunch break has anything to do with it -- tourism will be booming. Thanks for the comment.