Dealing with the February Blahs.

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DaisyJane

I probably should be working.
Anyone else struggling with them?

In the past the winter blahs haven't been too much of an issue for me, but this February has been tough going. I am not sure why.

What is your antidote for the winter blahs??? I would love some suggestions.

PS - Please don't worry. I am not clinically depressed. I do not need medical attention. I am simply annoyed it isn't June and that we have ANOTHER bad weather system moving through. My case of cabin fever and lack of sunlight seems to be reaching a bit of a fever-pitch. It probably doesn't help that I am chained to my desk slogging through the last few months of writing my dissertation.
 
Struggling a bit with the February blahs, yes. But there are a few stressful things going on in my life which contribute to the uneasy feeling.

We walk on an indoor track in the winter and aim for 5 days a week. This helps but it doesn't completely remove the cabin fever. I love walking outdoors when the weather is better and (especially) when the sidewalks are not treacherous with ice and snow. But indoors is a good substitute and I have even been able to meditate on the track this winter.

The daily Luke study is helping with the meditation aspect of walking. I post the new text each morning before I go to the track and it gives me a place to focus if my mind starts to wander.

We walk separately for 45 minutes on the track because our pacing is different. In other years we have done 60 minutes but 45 min is more manageable boredom-wise.

Not sure what else to suggest. Some swear by taking up winter sports and embracing the season.
 
I hear you about taking up winter sports. In the past I would ski and I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing. Part of the challenge is that I am under the gun re: writing and so I have been hesitant to take time out to exercise. I am aware that avoidance needs to stop. It is becoming a bit of a vicious downward spiral.
 
One thing about living where we did was February brought back the light. It's the time of year the days are noticeably longer in an area with short winter days.

Being able to get outside for walks help.
 
I hear you about taking up winter sports. In the past I would ski and I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing. Part of the challenge is that I am under the gun re: writing and so I have been hesitant to take time out to exercise. I am aware that avoidance needs to stop. It is becoming a bit of a vicious downward spiral.

I did my MSW on a part-time basis while I worked full-time. I didn't think I could afford breaks. I learned very quickly that a half hour break increased my productivity considerably.
 
I saw a therapist friend recently who recommended that, no matter what I was in the middle of, to stop every hour or two and just lie flat and relax for 10-15 minutes.
 
I wish I had solutions. I feel like between being sick at the beginning of Jan and then the cold snap once I was finally starting to recover some of my energy has left me not able to do very much. I haven't been able to get out to do many errands, and there have been the days where I did and suffered for it. So going out for a walk (indoors or outdoors) isn't going to do it for me unless I give up my usual exercise for that (and there have been some weeks where I did skip out on it due to how I was feeling).

I do recognize that it will likely get better, we're out of the cold snap now and that has reduced some of the malaise already. Winter doesn't last forever. Chances are I will get days come March, April, May where I feel better than this.
 
Hah, I just woke up from a nap.

@DaisyJane - i was chatting with a friend the other work, the day we had the big ice dam breaks. I wondered if I have been depressed, just based on how I was feeling. She advised that most of our friends were feeling the same. We had had a long period of cold, bitter cold, and weather which made people not want to go out Everyone was feeling a bit snowbound and winter tired.

So, I think that you are not alone.

For me, I have taken to sitting in the sunroom around 2pm, as it is warmer by then, and it feels good to be almost "outside".
 
We had a nice ladies night with a funny movie and potluck. And made a date for getting together and sew.
Daily morning exercises
Chocolate
I am taking a photography course in March
Go for a walk when the sun is shining
Make plans for spring and summer (gardening, renovations, vacations)
Buy some spring flowers (bulbs in a pot)
Shovel snow three times a day- gives you an adrenaline rush
 
I find listening to Mozart and avoiding Beethoven helps with coping in the dead of winter. Also, go for walks to be outside even when it is awful, just walking to the bus stop 3 blocks away is better than hopping in the car all the time.
 
Walking is so therapeutic. Around here though, you're taking your life in your hands. Ice everywhere. Parking lots are literally ice rinks. I saw an elderly woman struggle to stay on her feet getting off the bus..the driver helped her, but walking anywhere is treacherous unless you enjoy mall walking (you still have to cross ice to get into the mall).
 
Daisyjane-I wonder if it is the Feb. blahs or just the "finishing dissertation blahs"? it sounds like you have been neglecting physical exercise and time outside. Glad to hear of the soccer!
 
Walking is so therapeutic. Around here though, you're taking your life in your hands. Ice everywhere. Parking lots are literally ice rinks. I saw an elderly woman struggle to stay on her feet getting off the bus..the driver helped her, but walking anywhere is treacherous unless you enjoy mall walking (you still have to cross ice to get into the mall).

Same here, it's all the freezing and thawing. Sidewalks are particularly treacherous; roads are better but Lucy hates walking on the road in the winter. The salt bothers her paws.
 
Those ice crampons you strap on your boots are fabulous for icy sidewalks. And I use this dog boots for my dog. My son though buys this waxy ointment that he rubs on his dogs feet. Seems to work well

I find sometimes in February it feels like winter will never be over. Whe;the kids were little we would have a beach blanket party. Make hamburgers and have a picnic on a blanket on the floor. Play beach boys tunes. Treat it like a summer party

And getting outside is important. Especially in those days when it’s cold and a blue sky day. It’s what I love about skiing. You spend the entire day outside

We also used to take picnics into the woods in the winter. A thermos of hot soup, sandwiches. Sitting on a fallen tree. Enjoying the cold air
 
In some other years I've had the February blahs. This year, not so much. I'm still excited to be living in South Korea, a place and culture that continues to challenge me. I'm also increasingly enjoying school - especially teaching adults and little kindergarten kids.
 
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