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.
I had another area set up with the paraffin bath and the warming mittens. 
Over by the sink I have some wonderful smelling soap, a nailbrush, some soft towels and a nice lotion. There was a chick flick playing in the background or you could pull out some music from your high school years. (The 80’s were super cool dude!)
