How to Deal with Winter Time Blues
Do you get the blues? The older I get the more I find Kentucky winters depressing. The sky tends to stay gray, we get lots of rain and it’s not warm enough to be outside for very long. I have friends who are snowbirds and go south every winter. If I had a genie in a bottle I would politely inquire if one of my wishes could involve a cabana on a sunny tropical aisle.
Since I don’t have access to a genie, I am stuck.
Winter Time Blues Beaters
Over the years I have learned that the best way to beat the blues is to keep busy; physically and mentally. Here are somethings I do to make the winter go faster. I hope some of them will help you!
Reading-I love a good book. My two favorites from last year were The Women by Kristin Hannah and The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. This year I just finished Theo of Golden by Allen Levi and I loved it. Very seldom do I read a book that makes me want to be a better person, but this book did. Another one in the category of wanting to be a better person is The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. Both those are great reads for a gray winter day!
Before that I read Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre. This one is a memoir of fighting abuse and searching for justice. It is not for the faint of heart because of the topic but it held my attention and gave me insight into Jeffrey Epstein and what can happen when you are rich, powerful and perverted. Virginia was exploited first by a family member and then by Epstein. It is a sad and tragic account of Virginia’s life and it left me wondering how many other girls like Virginia there are around the world. Which is depressing but……
I probably shouldn’t have mentioned this book but surprisingly it didn’t bring me down, it just made me angry and determined to be a better advocate against abuse of ANY kind!
Exercise– Walking is the only form of exercise I have ever really liked but in the winter the weather just doesn’t cooperate. I could purchase a treadmill but I found something I like even better than walking; Tai Chi. According to this website which says in part, “Tai chi (chuan) is a Chinese martial art that combines slow movements, deep breathing, and a meditative state. Research continues to show that tai chi elicits a relaxation response and promotes physical health, healing, and mental well-being.“
I like it because it’s not hard and it stretches me until most of my kinks are worked out. It’s also great for balance and that’s something every person needs to protect them from falling. I downloaded an app to help me but you can find videos on YouTube that teach you the movements as well.
Grandchildren-This one is so obvious you are probably saying “Duh.” Does she think I don’t know that grandchildren help you feel better? The answer is even though you know, I’m reminding you. Whether it’s a Facetime phone call or an in-person visit, my grandchildren never fail to lift my spirits and I bet yours do too!
Friends-Whether it’s a book club or just a girl’s day out, friends are fun and can take our minds off our worries (or at the very least commiserate with you). Make a plan to go to lunch every other week or however long suits you best. It’s a bad mood breaker to have a friend who lifts you up!
Watch a funny movie. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles always makes me laugh. I also love The Money Pit with Tom Hanks and Shelly Long. Everyone has their favorites. Just find a funny one or an maybe a thriller. It will take your mind off your blues!
Winter time blues is also called “seasonal affective disorder,” or SAD. There are many more ways to tackle this problem if it is severe. You can read more about it on the Mayo Clinic site.
