What to do about the winter blues
Columbus may enjoy mild winters, so much so that we have, during our coldest month, outdoors events aplenty on our Wellness and Outdoors calendar (see the full magazine); but many of us find ourselves increasingly cooped up and, over these brief winter days, out of the sun.
About 5 percent of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which Psychology Today describes as “a type of depression that sets in during the short days of fall and winter and lasts until spring.” Depression needs treatment; if you think you suffer from SAD, visit a professional and get yourself taken care of.
But many of us, on some January night, face in the window, tea cooling in the cup and house dramatically quiet in the wake of Christmas revelry, will probably feel the winter blues. Maybe our housemates, whether spouses, lovers, roommates or children, will do that one thing one more time than you can stand and your temper flares. Maybe cabin fever creeps over you one early afternoon and your kookiness levels go through the roof and even as you watch yourself getting weirder and weirder you can’t stop it, and your housemates have given up trying to help and are now watching just for the novel entertainment.
However winter affects you, we have some ideas to help you make the coldest month of the year cozy.
1. Plan ahead: I learned a lot from living in northwest Arkansas, where ice storms are notoriously brutal. Before the winter, we prepared. We made sure that everyone’s winter coats still fit and that the heavy boots were not worn out. We added a board game or two to the cabinet and talked about our favorite cold-weather meals, hearty soups and chilies, nutritions recipes that warm us up and keep us happy through the nastiest part of the weather. We also prepared to make the best of the good days outside. However cold, if properly attired, winter is a great time to go outdoors. We scoped choice sledding hills and made little bets on which ponds and streams would freeze. Ice storms in northwest Arkansas are rough, yes; but with a little foresight, we hunkered down comfortably. Those ice storms are also beautiful, and after they blew through, just walking through the neighborhood to admire the aftermath was a treat. For winter, plan ahead. Have activities ready and good food on the stove, and if it’s safe to go out, bundle up and go.
2. Winter can be bleak, even in Columbus. The grass dies down and trees lose their leaves. Frosty mornings are white with gray skies. Winter, as it drags on, can look dull. To fight back against the grayscale monotony, inject some color and variety in your life. With more time spent at home, introduce some color to your interior design. Bright accent pillows go a long way, and curtains can make a dramatic, lively statement. For your car, go ahead and be that person who leaves the Rudolph nose and antlers on through the season, and we certainly hope you’re that person who puts a Rudolph nose and antlers on your car for December. Most of all, though, as a gift to the people you work and shop with, make your wardrobe bright. Get a green or purple scarf. Chose accents that have some variety, patterns that make you smile. Chances are, if it makes you smile, it’ll work on someone else, too.
3. Many people resolve to learn a new skill, take up and new hobby or start a project for New Year’s. January offers ample time to devote toward these goals. Fill up these long winter evenings with something productive. Not only will you feel good for having worked toward something, you’ll also have something interesting to share with family and friends, who you should call more frequently this time of year.
4. Call your friends and family more.