Does anyone have a cure for the post holiday, cold weather blues?

[SallySue15]

I have noticed that between the end of the holidays, packing the Christmas decorations, and the bitter cold weather, I have really been feeling down the last few days. What do you do to fight the blues that appear at this time of year?

[TNShannon]

I get that way sometimes, too. Surprisingly, I find that what works for me is to let myself get down and depressed for a few days...and then one morning, I take a deep breath and decide I'm going to get over it now, I've had enough!

At that point, cleaning helps a lot. It makes me feel as though by getting rid of the cobwebs of the wintertime, I'm preparing for spring. I start looking at seed catalogs and planning for my garden. I start looking at projects around the house that need to get done. I start making lists of things I want to try. Pretty soon, the optimism I'm working so hard to create takes on a mind of its own, and I'm off to the races!

It's okay to let yourself feel down and sad...just don't let it last too long.

[TNShannon]

I have noticed that between the end of the holidays, packing the Christmas decorations, and the bitter cold weather, I have really been feeling down the last few days. What do you do to fight the blues that appear at this time of year?

How are you feeling lately? Are things better for you?

[SallySue15]

The weather has been less cold and it has been sunny here for the better part of two weeks, so I am feeling better. I also started a little spring cleaning early, like you recommended. You were right, I am feeling optimistic and looking forward to the warm weather. I have also started to think about planting a flower bed this spring. I am trying to use my energy in an optimistic and productive manner, and it really seems to have made a difference, I am feeling a lot happier.

Thank you for the support and recommendations!

[TNShannon]

I'm glad you are feeling better.

Your post reminded me of something today...have you ever heard of SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder? It's a condition that makes someone sad and depressed because of the lack of sunlight, and of course, that lack of sunlight happens during the winter months. My grandmother suffered from it, and sometimes she would fall into a very serious depression...but when March and April rolled around the days were getting longer, she came out of it.

Her doctor diagnosed her a few years before she passed away, and with some mild medication during the winter months, she was fine from that point on.

I've wondered sometimes if I have it...but I know my "down" times aren't nearly as bad as my grandmother's were, so many it really just is a case of the winter blues.

Anyway, I thought you might want to look into it, just in case. It's really kind of fascinating, when you think about it, how deeply sunlight affects everything about us and our bodies.

Here's a link to more: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

[SallySue15]

It's interesting that you mention that, because I used to always get depressed in late August, early September, even as a teenager. I had always thought that it was because that was about the time that summer vacation ended and I had to go back to school. It was only in the last year or so that I realized, that is the time when the angle of the sun changes in the sky. When I look at the sky, it looks like fall, even when the weather is still warm. Obviously, I have been out of school for a number of years and it still happens to me, so maybe I do have some seasonal depression issues.

It is pretty amazing that the angle of the sun changing can affect a person's mood like that, or that cold cloudy weather can make me feel so down. Perhaps, I will speak with my doctor about some treatment options to make me more cheery all year round. Especially since you said it helped your grandmother.

[AmbRena8708]

Not trying to sound "bossy" but before you talk to ur dr about "mild medication" for the winter months just try taking vitamin d supplements - or just a daily viatmin. EVERYBODY feels down and out lacking any nutrient, and the sun is the best NATURAL nutrient for vit d. You'd be suprised at wat can affect you're mood! Keep in mind OMEGA 3s (salmon, walnuts, Flaxseed) ALL fight depression (especially for women) balancing the fats in your diet can make you feel WONDERFUL I take my vitamins and when i miss a week I can really tell!

[SallySue15]

Thanks for the advice! I am not always good about taking my vitamins, but maybe I could feel better if I focused a little more on making sure that I get enough vitamin D and some Omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements are typically cheaper than prescriptions, so that is an added bonus!

Thank you for the good advice!