Neutralize SAD-ness by pampering yourself

-- Jc Drobac

Congratulations. You’ve survived the holiday madness—purchasing, planning, packing, paying, preparing…did I forget anything? And back-to-back, no less: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Perhaps you even hosted a holiday gathering at your house, which no doubt, included cooking, cleaning, creative clutter cover-ups, courtesy—all concluded with you crashed out on the couch.

Holidays, even with the hustle and bustle that we adore and loathe, can at least provide a fabulous distraction from the winter blues that often accompany the five months of cold, snowy and potentially isolating weather

A lack of exposure to light in the winter can be blamed for higher levels of the hormone melatonin—triggering Seasonal Affective Disorder—aptly acronym’d SAD. So, read on for ideas to help beat the blues that can take hold at this time of year.

Say no to colds and flu.
Stay positive and make the choice to feel great. Don’t underestimate the power of positive thinking.

Buy flowers—for you.
Why wait for someone else to bestow nature’s irrefutable pick-me-up? Hit farmer’s markets that still operate in the winter, or snatch up even a single flower sold at your grocery’s flower shop. Inhale odiferous spring calling, or steal glimpses of vivid life-affirming color often.

Drink hot cocoa!
Cocoa is an excellent source of antioxidants; it can help lower stress and fight cancer at the same time. Indulge often, and justify the marshmallows any way you need to.

Lean on friends for support.
That’s what they’re there for. Call a friend and explain your need to vent, or cry. Then be true to your word. Holding on to daily stress can galvanize powerful blues.

Go to a comedy club for a healthy dose of laughter.
Laughter, like exercise, gets adrenaline pumping. Adrenaline is a good sadness neutralizer.

Grab a camera and drive or walk.
Explore new places and click away; even your usual route can take on a fresh perspective when you challenge yourself to see it from a different angle.

Take a sauna.
Steam out the old, breathe in the new. Or draw a piping hot bath with salts, oils, bubbles, or a dash of fragrance. Complete the retreat with a good read, enjoyable music (great for blocking outsiders’ knocks) and hot tea or a glass of icy water.

Sleep well—but less!
The desire for additional sleep is a symptom of SAD, but research shows that restricting sleep can boost mood and energy.

Eat healthy.
Start with a good breakfast, and discover the fountain of youth while you thwart the winter blues. Five servings of fruit and vegetables each day will strengthen your immune system, and some experts claim, help you turn back the aging clock, too.

Paint that room or closet.
You’ve been glaring at it, you’ve wanted it done, so why wait until nice weather when you’ll want to play outside? Grab a swatch of fabric, or some other color sample and trot over to the paint store for ideas. Home Depot has a free color-match machine that identifies colors and suggests accents too. But remember to ventilate properly during the entire painting and drying process.

Host a picnic.
- in the living room, for family and friends. Throw out a blanket and enjoy summery foods at a dog’s-eye level. Build a campfire in the fireplace. A game of indoor Frisbee is optional.

Build yourself a snowman or a snow castle.
Or gather stray neighbor kids and roll a record-breaking-size ball of the white stuff.

Treat yourself to a facial or massage.
No longer just a “chick” thing, men are also aware of the relaxing, preventative benefits of these treatments.

Spend an afternoon in a bookstore.
Find a bookstore that houses a café and hunker down with a great book (or five) and sip away on a cup of Jakarta blend or Earl Grey. Or just enjoy the people watching among fellow literature lovers.

Bring gardening indoors.
Many local nurseries have an abundant stock of houseplants in the winter. Try growing herbs for cooking, or snag some greenery that flaunts colorful flowers for a winter blues lift. Claiming you have a “brown thumb” is no excuse for not buying plants. Most nurseries have a variety of houseplants that thrive under low, medium or high light, and many tolerate erratic watering, for the forgetful types. Many nurseries have houseplants with prices starting at just a couple of bucks.

Rachet up the thrill.
Of course, you may not experience the winter blues at all. Maybe you embrace winter in all her chilly splendor. If so, add to your experience by trying your hand at a new sport or activity. If your typical merriment is snowmobiling, then try ice-skating this year. If sledding or tubing tends to be the family’s usual recreation, expand your horizons by doing some cross-country skiing; snowboarders, consider snowsailing for a unique thrill.

If you still have trouble seeing the light at the end of the icy tunnel, rejoice in knowing that you’ve already made it past Winter Solstice—Dec. 21—and that each new day provides more sunlight than the one before!

Hopefully you are now rejuvenated and motivated to survive the winter blues. In February’s issue, read how to “Valentine” your home, your garden and the people around you.

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