Great Ideas For Keeping Away Cold Weather Doldrums
January 15, 2010
Was it only a few short months ago that you were applying your tanning lotion and sitting poolside sipping lemonade? While the days of tanning lotions, ice cold lemonade, and sunbathing have quickly passed, the winter months of January and February have brought their cold and dreary days to many in North America. As the cold weather spreads across the nation, some folks find themselves looking for a way to beat seasonal depression. In fact, a good many people find themselves fighting seasonal depression as the dark days of winter take a toll on them mentally.
While most of your friends and neighbors have not been diagnosed with clinical depression, chances are many of your acquaintances may have days where they feel cranky or blue, simply because of the weather conditions. Perhaps you are someone who finds yourself succumbing to seasonal depression.
You are most certainly not alone and it may be a good idea to consult with your doctor if you find your daily outlook severely altered. If you determine though that you have no lingering medical condition, but simply get the blues as the winter months drag on, why not consider incorporating a few of the following fun ideas for beating the winter doldrums.
1. Have an indoor picnic complete with checkered tablecloth and all the summer foods available for you to eat.
2. Make yummy smores using an indoor fireplace or even settle for good old microwave smores.
3. Throw a bash with a fun theme such as luau, 80’s, or Super Bowl.
4. Plan a getaway or vacation to a special destination.
5. Take lessons for something you have always wanted to learn.
6. Work a jigsaw puzzle, crossword puzzle, sudoku, or any puzzle designed to exercise the mind.
7. Stay physically fit by sticking to a weekly exercise program.
8. Eat healthy foods which give the body a boost of useable energy.
9. Take up a new hobby.
10. Donate a few hours at a local charity.
Perhaps at least one or two of the preceding ten suggestions will inspire some excitement during the time of year when it can be easy to succumb to the doldrums. Think of the many benefits of maintaining a personal exercise program as well as the benefits of a healthy diet. Incorporating those suggestions will not only help during the winter months but every passing season. Developing new hobbies and keeping in touch with friends through organized events can give you something special to look forward to. If you have the available resources, consider taking a much needed break from the everyday routine. Taking a long weekend to recharge or an extended trip to a warm or tropical climate may be just the ticket needed to get you through the long winter.
Last of all, volunteering not only provides purpose and direction for you, but can be uplifting and a source of encouragement for those who will benefit from your time and energy. Keeping active and purposeful is a wonderful way to lessen or altogether avoid the problem of seasonal or post-holiday blues.
