I don’t really care if that bloody woodchuck emerges from its hole to see its shadow or not today (Ed. – He did not, so an early spring is predicted). History tells this depressed person that we still have a good 30 to 40 days to endure really crappy weather, during which we should employ every sanity exercise available. Let’s call a spade a spade: winter sucks for some of us.
So, little marmot, I don’t care what you do. I don’t care if you get yourself a nice rat for dinner, I’m sticking to these techniques regardless!
Here are a few of my favorite winter depression busters…
1. Watch the sugar.
I think our body gets the cue just before Thanksgiving that it will be hibernating for a few months, so it needs to ingest everything edible in sight. And I’m convinced the snow somehow communicates to the human brain the need to consume every kind of chocolate available in the house. We are mammals, yes, so do we think we need an extra layer of fat in the winter to keep us warm? I’m starting to think so.
People with depression and addicts need to be especially careful with sweets because the addiction to sugar and white-flour products is very real and physiological, affecting the same biochemical systems in your body as other drugs like heroin. According to Kathleen DesMaisons, author of “Potatoes Not Prozac”: Your relationship to sweet things is operating on a cellular level. It is more powerful than you have realized…. What you eat can have a huge effect on how you feel.”
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Site last updated: 21 May 2013
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Two things that always help me are learning to cook something new and getting silly with my kids.
Wonderful list!
Regarding point #5, using the lightbox.
I find starting before the days get really short, say early October will give me the greatest benefit. If I wait until November, my body (and mind) is already affected by the lack of light. It isn’t easy, since I have to use the light in the morning, but pays off in the end.
Music, music, and more music! Try Blip FM online! Let’s go to Texas with Willie and Waylon and the Boys.
Laugh out Loud.
Watching comedy shows and movies and staying away from viewing the dark,dramatic shows helps me.
I agree with the “music, music, music”. Even though I was classically trained, I am getting the biggest thrill out of playing fiddle tunes – jigs, contra dances, Israeli dances, etc. – such diverse types.