How I Beat the Winter Blues

So, how are you doing dear friends? As winter continues, I know many of us look forward with hope and anticipation to Spring. Our area is uncharacteristically supposed to reach 70 degrees today yet go down to the 30s and possibly snow in the next few days. This winter’s erratic weather has certainly caused frustration for many this year!
I recently shared methods I use to stay “on top of the season,” with a friend struggling with the “winter blues.”
Here are my “Seven Attitude Savers”:

Whenever the sun shines, get into the car, and just drive. As we drive around the area, I remind myself that Spring is coming, and everything will soon be lush and green, blooming with colorful flowers. I find hope in looking for signs of Spring and imagining it everywhere…remembering how pretty it will all be again.
Take 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 every day. Check with your doctor and see if you also are low in this important vitamin during winter’s grey days. (We buy our high-quality vitamins from the online Melaleuca store as well as their other non-toxic products for many aspects of life- (link at the bottom of this newsletter). We’ve loved their products for more than 10 years.
Revive an old hobby or explore a new one. Our town host an Arts Federation with a studio where they teach painting and crafts. I went two days last week to watercolor paint. There were four other women there, retired teachers, all meeting and enjoying the watercolor class to escape the winter doldrums. It got me out of the house, and I enjoyed it thoroughly!
Facilitate a ZOOM Group Book Study. This produced a lot of joy in my life this winter! I’m growing to love ZOOM as I see the faces of friends from around the nation while we discuss the book, “Ways of the Alongsider” by Bill Mowry together each week.
Journal my thoughts and feelings in a prayer on paper. Before I begin my time with God each day, it helps to write out and leave with Him my concerns and needs. Then I dive into a Bible study that I can enjoy with God alone (check out the BOOKS section here on our website), enabling me to grow while finding peace and calm in the silence.
Increase Exercise and Healthy Eating. While you can’t control the weather, you can control these two essential areas. One area where interests peaked due to the pandemic is health and fitness. Whether jumping on the exercise bike in your home, walking outdoors when the sun shines, or reading the many new magazines and books highlighting healthy meal preparation, intentionally choose to work on things you can control. Be creative and make it fun!
Read a good book. While sitting calmly and resting. Pick up a good book to take your mind off current emotional stress. I recommend any book written by my favorite fiction author, Charles Martin. “When Crickets Cry” was his first and after reading it, you’ll want to read everything he’s written!