January Blues

Though the formula used to decide which day was the worst of the year turned out to be bogus, the reasons for January blues, in general, seem sound: "the Christmas glow has faded away, New Year’s resolutions have been broken, cold Winter weather has set in and credit card bills will be landing on doormats across the land – whilst the January pay check may still be some way away." And for those who get winter blues every year, January is often one of the hardest months, along with February. So let's talk about how to lessen January blues...

Do you get winter blues each year, too?

It starts in the fall for me, but the winter months are the most difficult, followed by March when it seems like it should be over, but isn't yet. Though the worst winter depressions are likely to need medical or therapeutic intervention, here are a few things you can do on your own...

(1) Surround yourself with light - if you can actually get outside for half an hour of sunshine, please do. But a light box may help, too. I use mine every day. I also light candles & hang up fairy lights to add even more light coming my way.

(2) Do something hygge - wrap yourself up in something warm and cozy, have a hot cup of cocoa, or a big cup of tea. Watch a family movie with the kids, or plan one for when you get home from work.

(3) Have a day of Christmas - play "Christmastime is Here" and make Christmas cookies. Wear red, and watch a Christmas movie.

(4) Dance - moving physically can sometimes help you change the way you feel emotionally, just long enough to create a shift that will last all day. I have friend who dance for 15 minutes when they first get up and they tell me it helps a lot.

(5) Eat carbs - many people are missing serotonin in the winter, and find that carbohydrates may help to replace it. Plan a potato-based meal. Sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top may feel like a special treat.

(6) Laugh - search YouTube or Netflix for your favorite comedian and watch 15 minutes or so, at a time, throughout the day.

Here's my 7th suggestion for feeling better today.

Every time I think about him, and listen to that speech, I am moved by it, proud of the work he did in the world, and happy to know that our world, imperfect as it is, is nonetheless forever changed because of him. Love, Jeanine

It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Watch the "I Have a Dream" Speech