Beating The Winter Blahs

Here are some practical things you can do to enhance your
mental health during the long months of winter if you live in a cold climate.
Keep reminding yourself that spring is just around the corner!

  • Get
    outside every day for at least 20-30 minutes. Even on cloudy days, you
    will feel better. When the sun is out, seize the moment go for a walk or
    stand in the sun. If you have a busy schedule, find ways to enjoy the
    sunshine. At lunch, get a sandwich and go outside to eat it. Take a moment
    to appreciate the beauty surrounding you as you get in and out of your
    car. Even if you live in a crowded, dirty city, you can find things you
    enjoy seeing. Appreciate them as you move about your day.
  • Force yourself
    to exercise regularly, preferably outside walk, snowshoe, cross-county
    ski, downhill ski. FIND WAYS TO PLAY IN THE SNOW IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE
    ENOUGH TO LIVE IN AN ENVIRONMENT WITH THE BEAUTIFUL WHITE FLAKES. You will
    feel better about shoveling it and driving in it, if you also play in it! (Take
    your own children even adults, grandchildren, or borrow children if you
    don’t have any, sledding). Have snowball fights and make snow angels.
    Don’t act your age!
  • Do not
    isolate yourself. Think of all the people who are spending lots of time
    alone due to the winter weather and invite them to spend time with you. Be
    creative. This does not have to be costly. Share coffee, dessert, wine,
    play cards or board games, do crafts/hobbies together, etc.
  • Laugh
    often. Rent funny movies, read the daily newspaper comics, go to a card
    store and read amusing cards for 10-15 minutes. Laughing is good get
    your daily quota.
  • If
    possible, visit places that don’t have snow. There are often flowers
    blooming and green grass in warmer climates. It’s delightful. Even an hour
    or two in a warmer place is pleasant.
  • Buy
    fresh flowers or blooming potted plants. It’s amazing how uplifting it
    feels to look at the lovely colors.
  • When
    you are forced to be inside because it’s dark, cold, raining, or snowing,
    take the time to write letters of appreciation to neighbors, friends, and
    family. Just think how wonderful you would feel to get a letter telling
    you how much the little things you have done are appreciated by someone.
    Give this gift of love and acceptance to others. Be specific in your
    praise.
  • Beat
    the winter blahs by getting a massage. Therapeutic touch is very
    important, especially for those who live alone. There are often massage
    schools that have lower rates.
  • Attitude
    makes all the difference in the world. Learn to adjust yourself often and
    make sure it’s positive.
  • Read
    or listen to things that make you feel good. Some suggestions are:
    • Don’t
      Sweat The Small StuffAnd It’s all Small Stuff by Richard Carlson,
      Ph.D.
    • Any
      of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books by Jack Canfield’s group.

May you enjoy the beauty of the environment you live in and
overcome the challenges of winter.

Barbara Kramen-Kahn, Ph.D can be reached at barbara@truckeehealthychocolate.com