Recent Newsletters
February 2010 -
How to Alleviate the Winter Blues
Feeling Blue? Have you had enough of the cold and snow? Are you fed up with having to put on extra clothing? Are you struggling with your thoughts so much that you want to be alone or don't mind being with people whom you don't care for? Read on for some helpful tips on how to Alleviate the Winter Blues.
1) The old saying "Laughter is the best medicine" is actually true. If you are feeling the winter blues, or perhaps the prospect of being alone on Valentine's Day has you down, infuse some comedy into your routine. Take out a comedy show or movie from the library or rent a few comedies from your local video store. Go see a comedian, watch a few television sit-coms or visit a friend with whom you can laugh. Try to doing this over a 2 week period, and I guarantee you will feel happier.
2) We tend to isolate ourselves when we don't have someone special to celebrate Valentine's Day with. The cold weather also makes it easier to stay inside and isolate ourselves from others. Instead, why not be brave and call a friend, see if they can find time to meet you for lunch or dinner. Can't think of anyone to call? Then get dressed and go for a brisk walk or go see a movie at the theatre. The goal is to get yourself up and moving and out of the house. You will feel much better once you are out of your home and doing something besides focusing on how alone you feel.
3) Give yourself a special treat. Buy your favorite comfort food and allow yourself to totally indulge in it, without guilt, for ONE night. Or you might try pampering yourself in other ways. Make a great bubble bath for yourself. Did you know shampoo makes the longest lasting bubbles? Try it and see! Give yourself a facial. If you don't have facial products at home don't worry, facials are easy. If your skin is a bit oily use an egg with a drop of vinegar. If your skin is dry use and egg with 2 tablespoons of milk. In either case mix the ingredients and apply to your face. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse and apply moisturizer. See how great your face feels, and how much your mood improves.
4) Do you like to read? Lose yourself in a light-hearted novel. Letting your mind delve into a good book prevents you from focusing on how blue you feel. So before the blues overwhelm you, stock up on a few great books to read.
5) Be charitable with your time. Although giving money to your favorite charity is a great thing to do, you may also want to think about donating your time. Spend part of a day or a full day, whatever works for you, volunteering. Here are some suggestions: Soup kitchens for the homeless are frequently looking for extras assistance; or you could volunteer to read to patients at your local hospital or long-term care facility. Giving back to the community is known to help ward off the blues. It makes people feel good and it gives you a sense of purpose. It may also give you some perspective on your own life.