The “Winter Blahs” Can Be A Serious Downer!

Since I moved down to South Florida (from Pennsylvania) almost four years ago, I haven’t experienced the winter blahs … but for those who still reside up north, let’s lay this topic out on the table so you can see how bogus it is. Sound good? Great, let’s move on then …

With its awesome holidays, vacations and family visits, winter should be a period of pleasure, right? Well, it’s not … for many people, it actually brings the opposite: the winter blahs (the warning signs: sluggishness, boredom, weight gain and depression). Bad weather can certainly be annoying, especially when it goes on for weeks, or months, at a time (understatement of the year). Sure, part of the trouble can be physiological (the short, dark days of winter really do put most peoples’ bodies into hibernation mode); however, some of it is mental as well.

One of the toughest things about winter is being cooped up indoors (note: I’m wearing flip-flops outside right now … ok, I’ll stop rubbing it in)! So remember to open your blinds on those random sunny days Mother Nature is going to grace you with, whether it’s in your home or at the office (note: the sun will actually brighten your spirits and allow you to feel less claustrophobic and cooped up this way [don’t worry: you can thank me later]). Also, sun pouring into your windows allows you to keep the thermostat at a much cooler temperature, as the sun warms the house. However, remember to close those blinds when the sun goes down or you could be losing that precious heat (which is costing you an arm and a leg)!

Also, if you don’t mind the cold, make sure to go outside every once in a while. Sure, you may not feel like it now, but getting outdoors will release feelings of isolation during those pesky winter months. Did you know that there’s scientific evidence to prove that most people’s moods dip sharply when the weather turns chilly, which causes depression, hostility, anger, irritability and anxiousness? Well, now you do! It’s also believed that this seasonal slump may be due in part to the lack of light in colder months … and where do you think you’ll get the most NATURAL light? That’s right … outdoors (who knew?). Light seems to function as a natural antidepressant, which is what you’ll need to lighten your mood … so go outside when you’re feeling down!

Aggh … you can’t swim, you can’t bike, and you can’t go surfing so your whole body’s going to crap (or at least it feels that way, right?). Who in the hell cares … it happens to all of us? All of your neighbors look like a pale piece of crap in the winter, so you’re definitely in good company! Want to get back in shape? Then go to the gym … which is indoors, and out of the elements (what’s your excuse now?). Even people, like me, who hate gyms can put up with them long enough to keep their bodies in working order. Also, it’s never too late to take up skiing or skating. What’s more, there are plenty of things you can do indoors instead! Try jump roping (all of the kids are doing this “overall aerobic exercise” these days … very good stuff). Or hit up the Wii Fit that’s just lying around the house!

Hey pal, remember this: when the excitement of the holidays are over, when your winter vacation feels like a million years ago, when the newness of your presents have worn off, when the days are shorter, when you’re finally sick of wearing those itchy sweaters, and thanks to global warming there isn’t even a picturesque layer of snow to beautify your surroundings the thing to remember is everyone else is feeling the exact same way! That is, unless you live in South Florida like us lucky b@#$ards! However, you guys got it made when it comes to the summer (it’s disgustingly hot down here … and our summer AC bill is equal to your winter heating bill)!

I know that with less sun and fewer outdoor activities up north, winter can seem to drag on forever, but before you give in to this ridiculous “winter blahs” thing that the media has created, why not try a new activity based on your personal style (outdoors if possible) and watch your blues simply fade away. That’ll usually spring you right out of it!

Again … I hate to rub it in, but I can’t feel your pain anymore … as it’s been way too long (I’m a jerk … I know it)!