Winter Fever

This time of the year seems to drag oooooon and oooooon. We are in the dead of winter with wind that takes the breath right out of our mouths' and long, cold nights. Even though we aren't having a harsh winter, it still seems endless. The fact that there isn't much snow this year makes the winter seem worse. Snow is beautiful and is a reward for the cold days. Without snow, the trees and grass look dead and droopy. This winter we are also having some very warm days which causes the snow to melt into dirty slush. This slush is not beautiful, at all. Summer, when will you be here? We are in great need for warm and sunny days. We need some quality vitamin D. There is currently about a month and a half until spring will come, and it couldn't come any slower.

During the winter, statistics show that suicide rates increase. Our surroundings effect our mood greatly and when winter rolls around, there isn't a lot to look at. In the summer, flowers bloom and the grass is green. Every thing seems more beautiful. Personally, when I look outside in the morning during the summer I feel happier. I feel more motivated to go out and do things. On the other hand, during the winter I look outside when its gray and cold, I just want to lay in bed all day. The cold weather obviously causes us to spend more time inside and as humans we need fresh air. Being outside brightens our mood, well for most people. All of these reasons cause depression and suicide rates.

There are some great ways to get out of that wintertime depression. Exercise more. Working out causes a release in endorphins which actually make a person feel better. Endorphins are what cause “runners high”. Another way is to add more light. Brighter rooms increase our mood, for the better. Yoga can be helpful and also getting a massage.

So get past the mid-winter depression but remember that spring and summer will be here before we know it. We can do this. A month and half. Its not that long. Well maybe it is but you know what they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! (380)