Late January always seems to bring with it some measure of
melancholy...the holidays are done...the nights are still long and the days are
cold...spring is a long way off...
For me, I have just marked the passing of another birthday
and being single at this time of year is sometimes difficult. It would be nice
to have a partner to pass the long dark hours of night, to share a warm drink
with in front of a roaring fire, to plan for spring's rejuvenating activities.
Like many other people, single or not, I must develop strategies to not let this dark
time of year also darken my spirit!
The University of Notre Dame's Counseling Center offers some tips for
beating the wintertime blues...
Get out and mingle! Even though you feel like emulating a hibernating bear, you'll feel better if you are engaged with other people.
Get enough rest but fight the urge to stay under the covers all day!
Exercise! Even a 10-minute walk will release serotonin into your brain and a longer workout will increase the level of endomorphins - the feel good brain chemical - into your system.
Take Action! Set small goals for yourself if large ones seem unachievable, then work towards their completion!
Reward yourself with small pleasures! Sip a cup of cocoa, play your favorite music, watch an upbeat movie, reconnect with an old friend.
Stimulate your senses! Dance, write, paint, cook take a long run or a hot bath.
Volunteer, do something nice for a stranger. Helping others has proven to make you feel better about yourself. Higher self esteem equals a happier individual.
Remember the blues are a temporary condition. Work on making yourself and others happy and you'll find those winter blues will be melting with along with the snow!
Be Well!
No comments:
Post a Comment