Darker Days are Upon Us

Days grow colder and darker in December.  The lighting of a fire fills a room not only with light, but also with its warmth and coziness.  I enjoy watching the flames flicker and dance as if they were performing a ballet.  The whole house takes on a new personality when the candles are lit and the fireplace is on.
 
There are many things I enjoy about winter including the coziness of a warm home.  However, I’m a Florida girl deep down, and I long for sunshine and heat.  Winters are hard for me.  There’s less light and outside play time.  Dressing in heavy layers just to take the trash out wears me down.  Winter requires new skills and acceptance from me.
 
I’m not alone in dealing with winter.  Other people feel this way, and this symptom even has a diagnosis – seasonal defective disorder. Some of us get depressed when there’s less light and less interaction with other people during the winter season. We may feel more tired and moody. I’m on the low spectrum not needing medical assistance.  And if you are the same, here are some tips in bringing more light and joy this winter.(**I am not a doctor, and encourage anyone with long-lasting depression to seek medical attention.)
 

1. Get outside every day.  If only for 10 minutes, breathe in the fresh air and take a stroll around your yard or workplace.  
2. Move for at least 30 minutes every day.  Cycle, swim, do yoga or anything that gets your heart rate up.  In the winter, blood circulation slows down.  Help improve your circulation and get a “summer glow” from exercising.
3. Visit with friends and family.  It’s the season for parties and extra events.  Instead of getting overwhelmed at a large gathering, choose an intimate evening with a few of your favorite people.
4. Create a “Winter Blues” list.  This is a new one for me this year.  We sat as a family and listed all the activities we can do when we’re feeling blue about the weather.  They include baking cookies, bowling, daytrips to Washington DC museums, and ice skating.  (Yes, Hagerstown does have an ice-skating rink!!)

 
I’d love to hear how you enjoy winter.  Please feel free to share here or on Facebook.