Cabin Fever

School delays and cancellations, icy roads, mounds of snow, brutal cold, post-holiday slump, winter blues, whatever the reason, it’s easy to feel a little depressed or down in the dumps this time of year. There are a few ways to break that cycle.

One is to get a little sun. Now sure, it would be nice to fly off to some tropical location and sip rum punch with your toes in the sand but not too many people can afford it or fit that into their schedules. Those diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder are prescribed “light therapy” to help boost their mood. Seeing your doctor might be something to consider if you feel you need more than the proverbial pick-me-up to get out of your slump. Natural sunlight would be great but it can be hard to come by and we need to rely on Mother Nature to cooperate.

Another option is to get some exercise. It’s a natural and healthy way to lift your mood. Picking up a winter sport is a good idea especially this winter. However, if being out in the cold is not your cup of tea and part of what might have you down in the first place then swishing down the slopes may not be the best answer for you.

My favorite go-to fix for the blues is to socialize. It’s easy to hibernate and become a hermit when your spirits are low. Isolating yourself can start you on a downward spiral that can be really difficult to climb free from. Socializing can be as easy as calling a friend. Not to cry on their shoulder but ask them all sorts of things about their life. Give them the chance to lean on you. Hearing how someone else is feeling can make you feel less alone and make you feel good about yourself for being a support for another person.

You can take it up a step from there and invite a few people over. This is a great time to have a party. (It only takes three people to call it a party). Get a few drinks and set out some snacks and you’re ready to go. Ask your guests to bring an appetizer over and add a theme to your evening and they’ll be talking about how much fun they had for weeks.

There are so many fun ways to add a theme now. Fight the blues and have everyone wear something blue. Write down some conversation starting questions and put them in a basket to help “break the ice”. (Pun intended). Call all your single friends and host a non-traditional Valentine party. With the Olympics starting, you have a readymade theme. Have your guests dress in red, white and blue or ask them to bring an ethnic food to share. Pull the names of various countries out of a hat and each guest gets to cheer for a different team.

Whatever you do find a way to have some fun, put a smile on your face and warm your heart.