Cure for the winter blahs?

Anybody else fighting the winter blues right now? I've got them bad this year. February is usually my toughest month so the next few weeks could be rough. I fought them off last year by scheduling a vacation for early February, but I had too much going on this year to do that again--and now I'm paying for it. I've been getting plenty of exercise and we've actually had a handful of sunny days of late (along with plenty of rain and some snow). I'm not sure what else I can do to ward them off. I feel really antsy and irritable. It's not pretty!

Have you ever tried full spectrum lightbulbs? They're supposed to mimic sunlight so they make you feel like you're getting sun/seeing sunlight instead of blah neon or incandescent lights that you would normally have inside. I think they've been used to treat seasonal affective disorder.

Maybe you could buy yourself flowers, too. They are always nice to have :D

Found this: http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/

Would some photos of beaches & warm sunny skies be ok? I'm happy to send postcards or even photos here.

:)

Take up a snow sport. I find myself much more cheerful when it's grey and cold and raining nonstop, because that just means more snow on the mountain! :D

In the winter when I can't bike I either do fitness walking or snowshoeing if there is snow.
Last night, I went one step further and went roller skating for the first time in about 45 years (!!) at the local rink. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Yup... easy cure :p
Move here... our winter is so short there is not really time for winter blues to take hold ;)

It's MARDI GRAS !!!

Throw me somthing, mister! Today's parades were cancelled due to the thunderstorm. But the front will pass through, and we'll have good weather for 4 days straight of parades. And if you're brave, you can mask and go to the French Quarter on tuesday. There is a 12pm curfew. (the party is over at midnight)

Come on down!

CC - I know I'd like some pictures:)

We're in winter blah mode here too. We're supposed to have a warmer weekend, so I will probably get some outside time, but since I pulled my back I can't really do much activity wise (doc said walking = ok, but I really have to take it easy).

How 'bout a spa day??

Maybe rent some really happy movies.
Paint
Buy a bottle of jasmin oil and smell it often
peppermint oil too is very uplifting
take a yoga class
buy a fish

art class--something you've never done before
or, a dance class--like salsa

I know what it's like. When I was only riding (and I am a cold weather wuss), I hibernated because I was used to sunny SoCal. I get tired, irrational (uh, sometimes!), and things that normally wouldn't bother me, bother me.

I agree with taking up new hobbies but I also think getting out is a good thing, if you can. Winter sports, running (if it's not icy out), etc. I actually just read a review of these clip things that go on your shoes for running in snow/ice. For me, if I can't exercise, I get strange and borderline depressed.

I'd also say to not be too hard on yourself. If there's a lot going on in your life AND it's winter, it's a bigtime double whammy. It will pass...just keep reminding yourself of that.

I get bad SAD. If I can't actually TAKE a vacation, just planning one is enough for me sometimes.

She says, trying to figure out where in the heck to take the Airstream, DH and two dogs in 57 days, 10 hours and seven minutes ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brandi

buy a fish

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And take it to Mardi Gras!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brandi

buy a fish

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by zencentury

And take it to Mardi Gras!

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And watch Proteus, they parade on monday (Lundi Gras)

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'd love to take up a winter sport, but Indianapolis doesn't get enough snow. We were supposed to get between 6 and 8 last night and instead just have this slushy mess to contend with. I have added running to my weekly routine so that I can get outside on days when it may otherwise be too cold or wet to ride.

I'll just plugging along for now. This weekend is actually supposed to be decent enough. One day at a time, right?

Have a great weekend gang!