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I’ve written before about my lack of passion for Old Man Winter. It’s my least favorite season; the long, grey days; bleak afternoons when darkness falls too early, extremely long nights and frigid temperatures leave me yearning for spring.
I’m quite certain I suffer from the wintertime blues. I don’t like the frigid temps or fare well in the snow, so I become a recluse and hibernate all winter, only getting out when absolutely necessary, which, as a work-at-home mother, isn’t very often. I manage quite well – for the first two months – keeping myself busy with household projects, work, reading, and other tasks that fell by the wayside during the busy months of summer, but – by February, cabin fever begins setting in, and by March, I’m longing for a time-share in Cabo.
I become restless, moody, and irritable. I lack energy, sleep a lot more, and over indulge in comfort food, which is why I’ve packed on about 30 pounds in the last three years. I want nothing more than to get outside and bask in the glorious sunshine, open the windows, and breathe in the fresh air.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, I’m not alone. Approximately 10% to 20% of the U.S. population suffers from a mild case of winter blues. Most are women, in their 20s through their 40s, who live at high latitudes where seasonal changes are extreme and there’s less available sunlight during the winter. Hello, Midwest!
I don’t use light therapy or take anti-depressants, yet! However, I do take a B-complex vitamin and I’m really trying to watch the intake of comfort food this winter, opting instead for small, healthy meals and snacks, and incorporating steps into my exercise regimen. I also read a lot of great books that motivate and inspire me, send handwritten letters to family, and push myself to stay involved socially – which is a more difficult task, in all honesty.
This winter I am adding a new habit and I’m going to beat the wintertime blues! I’m heading outside to face the frigid air head on with a stress buster stroll. Corbin and I took our first snow walk on Friday and it was invigorating.
How do you beat the wintertime blahs?
