“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - Anne Bradstreet
Winter is coming to an end, and spring is just around the corner. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
This week we saw some beautiful warm weather in Guelph. I went outside a few times in just a sweater, and sent my daughter to school one day in a raincoat and rain boots. I’ve been wringing my hand in excitement, soon we’ll be able to go for leisurely walks in our neighbourhood, I can take the kids to the park, and the girls can go outside and play on the deck.
But with the unusually warm weather, we’ve also have constant rain. My kids are getting over a cold, and as much as I would love a warm walk in the rain, I’ve stayed inside, afraid they’d get sicker if they got wet. I feel like I’m playing tug of rope, my heart wants so badly to go outside and enjoy the balmy weather, but I know it’s best to wait until the skies clear.
This week has left me in a bit of a funk. I usually feel down in the month of February - and I know I’m not the only one. I’ve tried to pull myself up, but that low feeling has settled and it’s been tough to find a joyful spirit.
For those of us with clinical depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this time of year can be especially tough. But many of those that aren’t depression also feel low around this time of year.
Here’s a list of ideas to help you get out of that funk and find some joy in the final winter months:
- Get together with a friend: Go for a coffee or a movie date, take a walk around the indoor Marden walking track, or go window shopping at Stone Road Mall. Get out of the house and meet with a friend who you can talk to and enjoy some time with.
- Get some exercise: I find I’m way less active in the winter months, because I’m not as able to just put on a pair of shoes and go outside for a walk. Instead, I need to be intentional about exercise. Why not try yoga at home, this is a great video to start with. If you have kids try Cosmic Yoga for Kids.
- Read a book: I find I get the most reading done during the winter months, because it’s the time of year I just love to curl up and read all evening. I’ve been visiting the Guelph Public Library a lot and enjoying lots of new books I’ve been finding in the new book section. My kids also grab a few books while we’re there and we have a cozy reading time before bed.
- Get a home project done: Why not do some early spring cleaning? Pick a room or floor of the house and focus a few hours organizing, donating and tidying up your space. Do you have a room you keep meaning to paint? Get some family or friends together and tackle the project as a group.
- Try something new: The winter time can start to feel stale and boring after awhile. Discover something new to bring some excitement to the season. I’ve been meaning to try out the Guelph Grotto Gym for a fun afternoon with my husband. You can also check out AirU trampoline park, The Boardroom board game lounge, Afterlife video game lounge, or Exitus escape room.
I hope that you enjoy your last few weeks of winter and find some exciting things to do and explore!
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression please visit DepressionHurts.ca for tools and resources. If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to call 1-844-HERE-247
