Goodbye Daylight Saving, Hello Winter Blues
Daylight Saving Time, it’s a wonderful thing! And oh how I hate to see it end each fall. I dread the short days and long, cold nights mainly because I’m introverted and mildly depressive to begin with. Add to that a touch of Seasonal Affective Disorder and I’m not someone you want to meet in a dark alley or an overly crowded subway car. It’s not pretty.
I am thankful that we observe the time change for longer than we used to though. It used to be the time changed on the fourth Sundays of March and October but now we’ve stretched the season from early March to early November. Yippee! We could stretch it even more for my part but apparently, that is asking too much.
And in related Boo! News, we were promised an end to this incessant time switching for 2024 but alas, that is not to be. Since no state has adopted any measure to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, we’re all still living in the dark for winter. Boo!
So this year, I’m doing my level best to thwart my winter blues and I’ve put together a list of tactics to try in hopes of helping myself weather the season, and maybe they’ll help you too.
Five Steps to Cure Winter Blues
1. Get out more
My plan is to limit my self-imposed winter hibernation as much as possible. I’m a homebody by nature and when it’s cold and dark out, I make no bones about hunkering down in a cozy hoodie until spring arrives. Regular socializing should help ward off the isolation.
2. Have something to look forward to
This year, I’m focusing on bringing my creative dreams to life. If you didn’t know, I’m an actor by trade and a singer by love and I’m currently working on my first solo record. Eeek!! I’m terrified and thrilled at the same time and I’m sure this will be an excellent distraction from the long nights of winter. I have several songs written and arranged, and now there’s just the recording to be done.
What’s something that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t made time for? A pottery class? Learning a new language? Signing up for Flamenco dancing? I’ve always wanted to try that! Which brings me to my next tactic.
3. Exercise regularly to cure winter blues
It’s easy to slack off on fitness when the temperature drops. Full disclosure, I slack off my fitness routine all the time, no matter the weather. I always regret it and whenever I get back on my game, I immediately feel 100 times better.
This year, I’m working out indoors with my Oculus Quest 2 VR machine and I’m obsessed with the Supernatural app.
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4. Give Door Dash a rest
In other words, cook more meals. This is a tall order for me as my kitchen is likely the last place you’ll find me. During the week, I talk to my food delivery guys more than I talk to my friends. Yeah, I said it! But spending more time at the cook top will serve me in several ways.
Better food leads to a better mood and the time spent cooking will distract me from the long nights. Hello Fresh has become a staple in my routine. It’s great for menu variety and the ingredients are top tier.
5. Make Your home super comfy
Finally, all those yummy meals warrant cozy surroundings and I have my eye on this plush faux fur throw and a super soft area rug or two. I have hardwood floors and while they are lovely to gaze upon, they don’t make for toasty tootsies.
Add in a large bouquet of fresh flowers that I can separate into smaller bouquets for my coffee table, night table, and kitchen counter and I will have a perfect winter hideaway. I’ve been hewing to the Danish principle of hygge which means making your home comfy and well-appointed to help make it through the long, harsh winter. The Danes have really long winters.
I’m also stalking this mini home projector that I saw someone use in the tub! Oh, the decadence!
Do you suffer from the winter blues and if so, how do you make it through? Please let me know on Insta because if my tactics don’t work, I’ll be looking for more things to try!
Also check out the treatments and remedies for winter blues from the Mayo Clinic.
Agreed. It's really hard for me to go out when it's cold. At this very moment I'm seriously weighing the pro and cons of going out in the flurries to get milk for my much desired coffee!!!
those points are near enough the same as mine. i would say number 1 is the hardest! id rather be warm inside than to go out in the gloomy day and dark night lol
yukluistyle
I am in total agreement! I usually despise when the time changes for the season, long summer days just makes me feel like I can get more accomplished within my day. I have grown to enjoy the change, though, because the selection of clothes is better. I enjoy wearing my boots and sweaters. My gym buddies and I will be getting out of the gym this winter and out on the pavement! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
You're right about the wardrobe choices! I do love planning an outfit without worrying about sweating through it the moment I step outside.
I do get a little bit of the winter blues–but playing an active video game is my favorite way to get a little exercise in the winter, and it does help me cheer up!
Video games! I never thought of that. Great idea!!
I hate when it gets dark so early. Getting out to exercise always helps, it can be hard to coax myself into the cold, but I never regret it. If it's really miserable I'll skip my run and go to yoga to the people down the street for a free class.
Indoor exercise beats outdoor every time when it's cold!! I wish I had a yoga option in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, I have to travel.
I think these are great ideas. It's hard for me to go out once I'm home for the evening, especially when it's dark and cold outside! I love the PB blanket, and this is a great excuse to buy it!
It's hard for me to go back out too! Once I'm in, I'm in especially if it's cold!
This is such a good, practical post; "tools in the toolbox" for dealing circumventing those blues. Thanks for this.
I found you through NaBloPoMo. I'm glad I did. I'll be following along…
Hey Jessica! I just hope I can keep up with them all. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and following along!
Yes to all of these ideas!
🙂 ~ Thanks for stopping by!
I am guilty of hiding through the winter too, the cold weather makes me want to crawl back into bed until Spring comes back. I have always assumed that I am part bear and require extra rest during this time of year to keep me going through the warm months!
These look like some great tips to keep me from napping through the season, although I make no promises!
Miranda, I think I'm part bear too because the mere mention of napping makes me want to crawl right back in bed. Ohhh for the love of naps!!
This is so timely. I'm peeking out under my Cancer crab shell (hoodie) and considering getting out more.
Thank you!
I hear ya Damali! My Cancer crab shell is thick too!