…is something I am saying a lot these days.
One reason for that: it’s winter. Never mind the mostly-mild weather and wild temperature swings; this time of year is always tough for me. The lack of sunlight can leave me feeling dull and flat, and I’m always exhausted (physically and emotionally) after the holidays. But I am trying (as Maggie Smith keeps reminding us) to keep moving, whether literally or otherwise.
Here are a few things that are helping me, as we continue to move through January:
My light therapy lamp. Real talk: some days I don’t know if it makes any difference. But I flip it on every morning anyway, and most days I think it does take the edge off these long, dark evenings.
Putting the bread in the freezer. This is not like Joey having to put Little Women in the freezer on that episode of Friends (by the way, I saw the new movie twice and adored it). I live alone, so freezing a loaf of bread is one way to ensure it doesn’t all mold before I can toast it. (These days I’m loving Trader Joe’s multigrain sourdough.)
Taking a walk. Which is always a good idea – whether it’s down the street to the library or Trader Joe’s, around my neighborhood on a weekend, or over to campus for a meeting.
Eating all the clementines. I’m going through them like they’re candy, and I’m totally fine with that – because they’re bright, delicious and healthy.
My budding amaryllis, which I wrote about the other day, and which might actually be magic.
Working a puzzle at a girlfriend’s house the other night. I agree with Anne: puzzles are relaxing and good for your brain.
Yoga, even if I have to drag myself there (and sometimes I do).
What’s helping you get through, these days?
cakes, tea and dreams 
My list of things that are helping with the perpetual gray that is prevalent in the Pacific NW in winter: Lighting a taper candle, faerie lights. long walks-even in the pouring rain and the music of The Innocence Mission.
Oh, yes. All the light and long walks we can get.
I made a decision to go outside for at least a few moments every day. We live in a beautiful spot with lots of trees. Our mailbox is at the end of the road. I’m no longer punching a clock. So, I have no excuse not to breathe fresh air. Our Swedish friends tell us there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. I’m trying to take that to heart, and it is helping.
Yes, getting outside is key.
I love the way that you write. I am from Puerto Rico, and this January 2020 our island have been hit by constant earthqueakes. In this difficult weeks, reading your blog I found comfort. Thanks a lot.
Thanks, Mari – I am glad the blog has brought you some comfort. I’m sorry things are so hard. xo
I don’t know if anything actually gets me through winter. Well, football did, but that’s over now. Right now I’m just waiting on Spring. BTW=I love your blog
It was minus 35 degrees celsius here in Calgary, Alberta last week (that’s minus 31 degrees fahrenheit). Happily, the skies stayed sunny for the most part. When I’m not working, I feed and watch the birds, listen to upbeat music and make sure I stay connected with people☺️
I glad you like the light, it doesn’t do much for me. My bulbs worked thanks to trader’s joe. Walking up and down stairs in the street helps me plus reading and seeing friends. Did you read American dirt. What do you think of
On Fri, Jan 24, 2020, 8:01 AM cakes, tea and dreams katieleigh posted: ” …is something I am saying a lot these days. One > reason for that: it’s winter. Never mind the mostly-mild weather and wild > temperature swings; this time of year is always tough for me. The lack of > sunlight can leave me feeling dull and flat, and I” >
Definitely reading and bulbs. I haven’t read American Dirt, but have been following the controversy online.
Lemon and honey tea, taking photographs of every pretty winter sunrise and sunset I see, and watching old episodes of Cheers on Netflix. Cheers is actually working a lot to lift me out of the winter blues! The dialogue is witty and snappy, but the actual pacing of the show is relaxed, and the character development is great. I was a kid when it premiered back in the 80s and though I remember watching it, I was always a little too young to appreciate it. It’s been a comfort to me lately…who knew??!
Oooh, yes to the photos. And I haven’t watched Cheers for years! But I had the same experience with the Mary Tyler Moore show a few years ago. LOVE.