While many people enjoy winter for the snow, skiing, sledding, warm fires or hot cocoa, just as many people find winter a hard season to get through. The chill, the cold and flu season, the slush of ice and snow to drive through and astronomical heating costs get a lot of people down. But, by taking a few measures every day, beating the winter blahs is as easy as opening your blinds on a sunny day! However, nothing beats eating right and exercise in making you feel more energized and ready to take on those winter blahs.

 

One of the toughest things about winter in Northwest Indiana is being cooped up indoors. Sometimes it feels like you don’t see the sun for days, and not always because of clouds. Always remember to open your blinds on sunny days—whether in your home or in your office. The sun will brighten your spirits and allow you to feel less claustrophobic and cooped up. Also, if in your home, sun pouring into windows will allow you to keep the thermostat at a cooler temperature as the sun warms the house. However, remember to close those blinds when the sun goes down or you could be losing precious heat!

 

If you don’t mind the cold, make sure to go outside. Ice skate, sled, ski, or just take a short walk around the neighborhood. Even if the cold doesn’t affect you, you may be less likely to be motivated to go outside in the winter. However, getting outdoors will release feelings of isolation during those pesky winter months.  So have your coat, hat and mittens near the door and ready to go.  Be sure to download some of your favorite tunes so you can listen as you walk.  And if you just can’t stand walking in the cold, drive over to Marquette Mall and take a stroll during the hour before it opens each day.  You’ll beat the crowds and stay warm while giving yourself a nice pick-me-up!

 

Staying active through the cold months is hard. If you work from home or don’t have to be anywhere on the weekends, it is tempting not to leave your bed at all. Especially if you turn the heat down at night, it will be hard to face the cold air of the house and a lot easier to scoot back under the covers and sleep. So, give yourself things to do in the morning. Whether it’s grocery shopping, meeting a friend for breakfast, or working on your novel—getting up out of bed is extremely important. Feeling productive will beat the blahs a lot more than a sluggish two more hours of sleep. How about taking a class?  Nearby is Purdue North Central and Ivy Tech.  Both offer fun, interesting classes for the non-traditional student. Take a computer class, floral design, interior design, and cooking classes can give you a sense of purpose and help you meet a few new people while you’re at it.  Before you know it, the blahs will be long gone and Spring will be flashing her pretty bright colors when she knocks at your door!