Tuesday, January 6, 2009

My Winter Blahs


I don't know about you, but I seem to be constantly fighting the winter blahs.

It's 4:45 p.m. and already dark outside. The early darkness gives me the distinct feeling that I should be getting ready for bed. I'm drowsy and yawning something fierce. Jim's even asleep in his comfy recliner.

I don't think there's a way to stop this lazy feeling, altogether, but there are some things I'm doing in an attempt to stay alert and positive.

So far, I'm doing these things....
1. Taking my vitamins and eating my salads. Heavy food seems to make the matter worse.
2. Watch a comedy on DVD.
3. Spending a little time outside each day.
4. Finding somewhere to go each day, even if it's only to browse at the mall.
5. Placing a phone call to a friend and catching up on emails.
6. Keeping the coffee maker going!

***What are you doing to fight the seasonal blues?

22 comments:

Linda Hoye said...

Oh my, I understand the winter blahs all too well. It's so hard this time of year when I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. I think that getting outside and walking helps chase the blahs away for me. The challenge is to force myself to do it!

Barb Davis said...

Linda- I think this is the most difficult time of year. I love the peace of winter, but it does get old.

Congrats on the new little one!

Joanne said...

I actually like the winter, finding it so conducive to writing. In the summer, there's always beautiful weather and my garden calling me outdoors, so I guess now writing is my winter garden. But I do find that exercise, mostly walking, helps if I'm feeling listless.

Janna Leadbetter said...

I was just thinking this evening that I need to start some organized exercise. That'd help!

Linda said...

I've actually started looking forward to shoveling snow! It's good exercise and a great feeling of accomplishment when you're done. Oh, and cooking--reading a lot. I also find I'm more frugal since I can't get out and shop--more creative in the kitchen, too, but I do miss the sunshine and walks and riding my horses. I guess I'll appreciate them that much more this Spring.

Pat's Place said...

I love to burn candles in all rooms in my house on these dark winter days. That way there is a bright point of light in every room when I walk in. I spend a fortune on candles in the winter but I don't use them in the other seasons, so it makes it worth it and keeps me sane.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

Barbara - I deal with that every winter. Getting outside and doing something physical is vital to me. I can turn into a hermit if I allow myself. This year is the worst. I can just crawl in a book and hide. That is not so good for me. You neither.

Barb Davis said...

Joanne- I think I need to start going back to Curves for my exercise sessions. Good way to get out and about and get exercise.

Barb Davis said...

Janna- Do you have Curves where you are? It's a pretty good program.

Barb Davis said...

Linda- Sounds like "snow country" is perfect for you. I like snow, but I don't like slush, which we now have. And the darkness finally gets old, too.

Barb Davis said...

Pat- I love candles, too, and I'm going to try your suggestion.

Barb Davis said...

Lea- I can certainly relate to what you are saying. I MUST stay busy or else I can easily become that "hermit" you are talking about.

Angie Ledbetter said...

It never gets really cold and blah enough here on the Gulf Coast for the chill to settle in. Thinking warm thoughts for/of you!

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

I can relate to the winter blahs even here in Florida where the sun is shining and warm most winter days. Maybe it's the early evening darkness that makes us want to hibernate. I used to fight through this, but have learned to enjoy this longer period of darkness to read more, cuddle with my husband more and extend my prayer time. All of which rejuvenates me.

Barb Davis said...

Angie-Thank you.

Barb Davis said...

Donna- I agree. A rich prayer life is a wonderful remedy for the blahs.

Shauna said...

I am now following your blog :) Hope you have a blessed and beautiful day! ♥ Hugs :) Shauna

Barb Davis said...

Trying To Stay Calm- Thanks a million for stopping by. Please come by "the gate" often.

Vikki G said...

Well...I must say here in Florida I am even feeling it! While it is not cold the early evenings seem to get the best of me~ I can only imagine though what everyone fighting the cold and dreary day must be feeling...I must say I love to visit the cold weather but I don't know that I could live it!haha
Blessings,
Vikki

Barb Davis said...

Vikki- I think the blahs actually come from the dark early evenings when our internal clock starts winding down. As soon as it gets dark outside I start yawning and can hardly keep my eyes open. Perhaps it's nature's way of saying it's time to rest.

heather said...

Hahah! There is a post coming soon. I decided on it in the shower today. :) I won't get around to it today... but maybe tomorrow or the next. ;)

And thanks for visiting me!! :)

Barb Davis said...

Heather- Thanks for stopping by and becoming a Follower! I'll look for that new post of yours.