It’s official. We are in the doldrums of winter. It’s a terrible time of year for people who suffer from seasonal depression. I know several people who do. I used to, as well.
I spent several years on depression medication. While it helped, I didn’t want to be dependent upon it for the rest of my life. Most days it would numb me to the point of having no feeling at all. I had no emotional response whatsoever if something good or bad happened, as if someone threw a wet blanket over the light in my heart. I didn’t know which was worse.
If you’ve read my other recent posts, you’ll know I’m a big believer in prayerful meditation. It turned my life completely around to living depression free and medication free. An objective awareness of my emotions helps maintain the balance while strategically staying proactive keeps my inner rhythm going smooth.
Here are some simple things that help me through the winter.
- Cheerful Decorations
Bring some spots of color into your space with decorations for the winter holidays of Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. This can be as easy as a tablecloth, covers for the pillows on the sofa or printed bed sheets. I keep variations of all of those things for each season/holiday of the year. It doesn’t matter who else sees it, this is for YOU. Make it something that invites you to love being in your space. - Light!
Change the light bulbs in your lamps or ceiling lights to have full spectrum light with a CRI rating as close to 100 as you can find. This means your lighting will be more like the natural light of the sun.
You can also get a light therapy lamp, himalayan salt lamp or sun lamp to keep nearby.
Candles always lend a cozy ambience, too. (Just remember to not leave them unattended, as my friend’s firefighter husband would say.)
An electric fireplace is a wonderful addition to warm up the spirit in any room. - Get Outside
As much as you may dread it, make yourself go outside, or even near a sunny, open window, for at least a few deep breaths of fresh air. Take a deep breath in, hold it for three seconds, then exhale completely and hold for three seconds. Repeat a few times sensing the fullness in your lungs and your body’s appreciation for oxygen. - Cook Something Healthy
Winter is my favorite time to make homemade soups and stews. A few years ago I treated myself to a cast iron dutch oven especially for winter meals. Ask anyone in my family how much I looove cooking with my dutch oven! Using fresh vegetables and herbs make the entire experience even more wholesome as I think about the beauty of the garden where they may have grown. - Bring Nature Inside
Pets are a wonderful boost to the spirit! We have an Australian Shepherd (who is not surprisingly the liveliest one of our bunch!) and two cats who are as aloof as they come. Interacting with them daily is a treat and never fails to lift the mood.
If you can’t get a pet or prefer not to have one, what about a houseplant or two? Make it one that you can bring yourself to actually care about, as in giving it a name and learning how to properly nurture it. Just like a pet, plants are completely vulnerable and dependent on us to raise them right. As with all things created by God, plants have a place in the Kingdom of Heaven.
You don’t have to wait for someone to give you a bouquet of flowers on a special occasion. Buy some for yourself and put them where you can enjoy them most. - Entice Your Senses
Take special care of all of your natural senses with things that promote positivity. Watch videos of your favorite forms of nature with sounds of the elements. Warm a diffuser with your favorite scented oil or simmer a pot of potpourri on the stove. Wrap yourself in a fabric of your favorite texture. Allow yourself to indulge in the taste of a wonderful treat. Savor it in small bites and enjoy it fully.
When you’ve already sunk into the doldrums it is harder to find your way out, I know. But, if you can bring yourself to do one small, positive thing for yourself today, then tomorrow may be a little easier. And, don’t forget, prayer is always an option.
Curse Hunter 