2008 Woodie Awards
Beat the winter blues
Tips to keep you sane through the cold months
Dawn Hughes
Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Winter is on its way. The temperature is dropping, and rain is often followed by sleet which is usually followed by snow. Longer periods of darkness mean more time is spent indoors.
Many people are prone to spend all their time inside just lying around. However, there are many ways to beat the doldrums that come with the cold.
Read a book or two. There is little else as enjoyable as curling up with a good story full of good characters.
Pamper yourself. Get a facial or a massage. Put on some relaxing music; light some candles, and have a nice soak in the bathtub at home.
Get some exercise. Try out different types of exercise, from yoga to kickboxing. Figure out what exercise works best for you. When possible, get outside. Bundle up and take a walk.
Surround yourself with color. Wear and keep bright colors around you. Many people wear dark colors during the winter. Change it up and wear cheery colors. It often will have a positive effect on your mood.
Go on a shopping spree. According to Yolanda Nave's humorous book, "64 Ways to Beat the Blues," shopping is a pick-me-up. Spend that "just for emergencies" stash of cash on an expensive new pair of shoes or a new CD.
Spend time with your friends. No one perks you up better than your friends. They can make you laugh and take your mind off what's bumming you out.
Go out. After that nice pampering session, get all dressed up and party. Hit the hottest club in town, find a cutie who is all alone too, and ask him/her to dance.
Start a new hobby, like crocheting or painting. While you are learning this new skill, you may even be able to make a few Christmas presents for your friends. Join a martial arts or dance class. By the time winter's over, you will have a whole new ability.
Pop in a funny movie. Invite a group of friends over, make some popcorn, and laugh until your cheeks hurt.
Make sure your diet is full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't try to make up for the lack of sunshine with junk food. It is important to get all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. If you feel it is too difficult to get all the nutrients you need, take a multivitamin.
Set small goals. If you want to get your room cleaned over winter break, work on just a corner at a time.
Play in the snow. As the snow piles higher and higher, many people are tempted to hole up inside. Don't be like everyone else. Get outside, go sledding, ice skating, build a snow fort, or have a snowball fight.
Get a pet, even if it's just a fish. If you get a beta put a mirror next to its bowl, you can get a kick out of watching it try to attack its own reflection.
These are some of the many ways to beat the winter blues. Find something that makes you happy and do it to pick yourself up when you are down.
Do something for yourself every day that makes you happy.
Many people are prone to spend all their time inside just lying around. However, there are many ways to beat the doldrums that come with the cold.
Read a book or two. There is little else as enjoyable as curling up with a good story full of good characters.
Pamper yourself. Get a facial or a massage. Put on some relaxing music; light some candles, and have a nice soak in the bathtub at home.
Get some exercise. Try out different types of exercise, from yoga to kickboxing. Figure out what exercise works best for you. When possible, get outside. Bundle up and take a walk.
Surround yourself with color. Wear and keep bright colors around you. Many people wear dark colors during the winter. Change it up and wear cheery colors. It often will have a positive effect on your mood.
Go on a shopping spree. According to Yolanda Nave's humorous book, "64 Ways to Beat the Blues," shopping is a pick-me-up. Spend that "just for emergencies" stash of cash on an expensive new pair of shoes or a new CD.
Spend time with your friends. No one perks you up better than your friends. They can make you laugh and take your mind off what's bumming you out.
Go out. After that nice pampering session, get all dressed up and party. Hit the hottest club in town, find a cutie who is all alone too, and ask him/her to dance.
Start a new hobby, like crocheting or painting. While you are learning this new skill, you may even be able to make a few Christmas presents for your friends. Join a martial arts or dance class. By the time winter's over, you will have a whole new ability.
Pop in a funny movie. Invite a group of friends over, make some popcorn, and laugh until your cheeks hurt.
Make sure your diet is full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't try to make up for the lack of sunshine with junk food. It is important to get all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. If you feel it is too difficult to get all the nutrients you need, take a multivitamin.
Set small goals. If you want to get your room cleaned over winter break, work on just a corner at a time.
Play in the snow. As the snow piles higher and higher, many people are tempted to hole up inside. Don't be like everyone else. Get outside, go sledding, ice skating, build a snow fort, or have a snowball fight.
Get a pet, even if it's just a fish. If you get a beta put a mirror next to its bowl, you can get a kick out of watching it try to attack its own reflection.
These are some of the many ways to beat the winter blues. Find something that makes you happy and do it to pick yourself up when you are down.
Do something for yourself every day that makes you happy.
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