It’s been a dreary, off-kilter week, beginning with a sick husband and a cranky computer, and continuing with gray skies, chilly winds, lots of meetings, a truly mind-numbing freelance project, and a general malaise. (I’ve been sympathizing with Michel Gerard, big time.) Although (thank heaven) this winter is milder and much less snowy than last winter – it’s still mid-February, right on schedule for my annual attack of the midwinter blues.
I’m falling back on the tried-and-true feel-better tricks – copious cups of tea, small squares of dark chocolate, the occasional chai latte, bowls of homemade soup (this week it’s Tuscan sausage). The music of the Puppini Sisters, a new cranberry-almond tea (named after Boston!), my blooming paperwhites. Reading a truly fabulous book (our first book club pick!). Browsing this list on Sarah’s blog for new tricks to add to my arsenal. When all else fails, peanut butter M&Ms, a little retail therapy, and lounging in yoga pants and a cozy green shawl-collar sweatshirt, inherited from a girlfriend long ago. And remembering brave little crocuses, whose presence in University Parks cheered me immensely, four years ago this month:
How do you fight the winter blahs?
Sorry to hear you’re feeling blue! My advice – go outside as much as possible. Our bodies NEED Vitamin D and just a few minutes in the sunlight will do wonders for your outlook. Movement helps too. I like to get out for a winter hike or go ice skating (even indoors – just to get the blood flowing). Plus getting a little chilled makes it that much sweeter to retreat indoors for tea, a blanket and a good book.
I’ve started planning for Spring! Have been haunting Pinterest for wardrobe ideas and some new decorating tips for my home. Last weekend, I found an old scrapbook in my supply bin, so I covered it with cute ephemera-themed paper and have been filling it with magazine cuttings of things that I like. This seems to take my mind off of the gray, dismal landscape outside.
I agree with Jaclyn, too – going for a walk really helps! Hope you are feeling better!
Yep. Had myself some winter (and 5th-week-of-the-semester/stack-of-112-papers to grade) blues. Thanks for the transparency and suggestions.
Ha! We are on the same page today! You have tea, I have color therapy.
I’m going to try that soup, it sounds delicious.
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Too funny, I’m eating peanut butter M&Ms as I read this.
Hang in there. I don’t know how I’d do it…