Somewhere you might have read about the winter blues and how this phenomenon actually exists. Our bodies crave daylight and sunshine. The short days of winter depress us in real, physiological ways. I won't go into the chemical theories about that, but some of the remedies recommended are changing the lighting in your home to brighten your living area. There is another thing you can do also. Go outside.
On Saturday for the first time all week, the sun was shining brightly on the browned, hibernating lawn. A brisk wind kept the temperature at winter levels, but the sun makes up for a lot of that. The air was fresh and clean around our country home as I walked around the back acre and thought about the spring chores to come. We're still cleaning up some downed trees from 2012's stellar destruction weather. Everywhere in my flowerbeds, the warm winter has tricked the bulbs into early appearances. It looks like spring even though I know it could snow anytime of the next few weeks. But the sun kissed my skin, warmed my back and fueled me with energy and hope for the coming months.
So the health tip for this week: step outside. Push away from the keyboard and search outside for signs of spring and the renewal it brings to hearts and hopes. Our bodies need the sun to manufacture vitamin D and our souls recognize that distant glowing orb as the source of our energy and a promise of warmth and life.
Do you feel the winter blues? How do you combat them? Is spring making an early appearance where you live?
15 comments:
We could use that rain here in Texas. As it is things are blooming and budding and busting out all over the place... early. And today it is again clear and beautiful. (I must get out and do some weeding.)
I find when I don't take my morning walk, it makes a difference (a negative one) in the rest of my day! Thanks for the reminder.
Winters don't bother me. I must like the dark. (Promise I'm not a vampire!) Going outside usually means I have to mow the lawn or trim the hedges. Guess I need some new outdoor activities.
My last heating bill gave me a heart attack. I am very much looking forward to being able to turn off the heat.
I try to keep any winter blues at bay by forcing myself to work out. Sometimes it works. =)
London in the winter can be a very dark, dull, grey place. I try to combat that by walking through the park - it always lifts my spirits.
Great advice.
I couldn't live in Alaska where they have months without much sun, but growing up in the Pacific Northwest meant I developed a tolerance for cloudy and rainy days.
I feel the gloom - Wales isn't exactly famous for its scorching seasons :)
I know a few people who get the winter blues - Seasonal Affective Disorder (cleverly shortened to SAD - those quirky scientists and their humour). I've heard they've set up special light rooms to help treat it.
Yep, it is. But we've had more than enough dreary days. I do get outside at least once or twice a day. I live on a ranch and critters don't care what the weather is, they want food, water, and attention.
I always feel better afterward. Even when it's really cold, I'll bundle up and stand in the sunshine and drink my morning coffee. It helps.
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
Amen, sister Sue! I was loving the sun on Saturday. It's still a little early to break my motorcycle out of its hibernation, but I was sorely tempted!
I love how we're not all alike in our preferences and enjoyments. Tomorrow I'm running outside in the sunshine and I can't wait.
I actually like bad weather - I can write without feeling guilty! :)
It's supposed to be summer in Australia but it's been the coldest, wettest summer we've seen. The weather has been crazy.
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