Winter and I don’t agree on anything. I ask for sun, it gives me gray skies. I yearn for tropical climes while the temperatures drop well below freezing. Our communication issues are exacerbated further as snowstorms, freezing rain, and bitter winds drive a wedge between us. Needless to say, by March we aren’t on speaking terms. Thanks winter, thanks very much.
I might have a case of the winter blues, but for many, the repercussions of winter weather are much more severe. According to HealthyOntario.com, 2-3% of Canadians suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms include depressive mood swings, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, and excessive carbohydrates cravings and weight gain. Although Canadians generally suffer from SAD more than Americans—we can thank our latitude for that—it’s a condition that seems to affect women more than men.
Mothers with small children are particularly prone to SAD, or its lesser counterpart, the aforementioned “winter blues,” as are individuals under 50. The reasons aren’t clear, but as women generally suffer from depression more than men, the trend seems to continue.
So what can we do to combat the winter blues?
If you think your blah mood is heading into SAD territory, then consult a doctor immediately. If you’re like me, and just need a boost to get you through the winter, here are some tricks to fight the winter blues.
Go outside and play!
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Winter isn’t going anywhere, so you might as well make the best of it. Get a snowsuit, forget you’re a grown up, and build a snowman with your kids. Getting your heart pumping increases endorphins—those “feel good” chemicals that are produced during exercise—which can help brighten your mood. Your kids will thank you for it too. It’s a win-win.
Eat like your health depends on it—because it does
The food you eat becomes the building blocks of your whole body. That’s a pretty big deal. Make sure your meals consist of the basic food groups. Fight the carb cravings that come with the winter blues, by stocking up on whole grains, vegetables, chicken and fish. Cut out coffee (don’t look at me like that, you know it’s bad for you) and aim to drink those eight glasses of water instead. Your mood is guaranteed to improve, as is your skin, hair, and waistline. If you’re one of those people with no will power, consider seeing a nutritionist. It’s worth it. You’re worth it!
Learn something new
We want to hibernate in winter for a reason. It’s cold, gray, and messy. Who wants to deal with that? Half the battle in winter is having something to look forward to. Is there a course you’ve wanted to take, but haven’t had the time to sign up for? Is there a new skill you’ve been dying to learn? Now’s the time to get started. Just think, by summer you’ll be a pro!
What are you doing to combat the winter blues? Any survival tips?
Bryna is a mother, blogger, public relations professional and humanitarian relief worker. She currently works as Communications Specialist for Engine Communications in Belleville, Ontario.
