How to Survive the “Winter Blues”
Are these cold, gloomy, winter days making you want to stay home until Spring comes? Do you just want to snuggle with your pets and get under all of your blankets? You are not alone. The sun goes down at 5:00 in the afternoon and you aren’t getting that Vitamin D that you get in all of the other seasons.
There are some things we can do to improve our mood and health to get through the next few months. Trust me, I moved here from Ohio over 15 years ago because of the cold, dreary weather that lasted six months out of the year. I remember looking forward to going to school to get warm because my mom always wanted to keep the heat at 68 degrees. I did Cheerleading in the fall and Track in the spring, but I wouldn’t try any winter sport just because I knew the coaches would have us running outside. The day I graduated high school; I was out the door to North Carolina aka warm weather. Honestly, this is all I knew about North Carolina, that I would be warm.
Getting More Exercise and Drinking More Water
I hope most people get a break in their day whether after school or during the workday. During this break, try to get some sunlight; walking around 20 minutes a day gives you enough Vitamin D to improve your mood, plus you are getting exercise. Endorphins are released during exercise and endorphins induce feelings of pleasure.
Next, how is your water intake? Mine is much better in the summer as well, I mean I am a gardener. Last year, I bought a Bluetooth water bottle that connects with my iPhone telling me how much water I drink each day. Practice makes perfect; try and see if you can drink 4-8 glasses a day. Drinking one glass of water right when you wake up is a great start. One of the good things that grew during this pandemic is bubbly water. You can go to Wegmans, Target, Walmart, or any grocery store, plus, they have tons of flavors. If you want the new flavors, get a Costco card and get a 24 pack.
Always Have Something Fun to Look Forward To
One of my favorite ways to improve how I am feeling is finding something to look forward to doing. When you have something positive to look forward to it reduces stress and boosts mood. This is self-care; this is not selfish. With the current state, it’s imperative to give yourself positive anticipation for something you have been longing to do. Schedule a movie with a friend, put an upcoming TV show on your calendar, book a vacation, schedule time to meet an old friend, plan your garden. In November, I woke up at 5:00 in the morning and booked an upcoming pottery class; this class isn’t until March but I am excited!
Listen, we are in North Carolina, it’s only a few more months, we can do it! Send your positive vibes to your friends and family and challenge yourself. All you have to do is try 2-3 of these ideas and you will feel better.
Talk to Someone That Can Help
Another thing that can help during stressful times is reaching out to a counselor for help. Life is full of challenges and it may be helpful to have someone to talk to about your struggles or feelings. The role of a counselor is to listen in a nonjudgemental, safe environment that is confidential.
About The Author
Carrie Meckler, LCMHC-S, LCAS-A
Carrie Meckler is currently a mental health counseling partner at Reframe Counseling Services. Carrie's areas of expertise include the following: mindfulness, motivational interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), expressive therapies, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Carrie likes to meet a client where they are at: whether a client prefers a session while walking, art therapy, role-playing, or music therapy.