27
Jan
We have all heard about this phenomenon. It usually starts resurfacing each year in the beginning of winter, in December. Personally, I can’t really associate that particular month with something as glacial as the winter blues, due to December being a month of celebration in our household. The Holiday rush gets us in such a jolly, busy mood that I barely remember this nasty foe waiting for me at the end of something old and the start of something new.
But, like clockwork, each January I get reminded of its sharp claws and dangerous bite. And it’s not only the biological need for more sunlight, it is everything from the pressure of starting again to doing the same or more as one would during the warmer seasons. It is the crippling feeling of not working enough, not rediscovering yourself enough, not creating enough, just plainly not being enough.
But enough of this dreadful subject. We are not here to agonize about the ghastly concept of the winter blues, we are here to cure them. My instrument for doing so? I am so happy you asked, dear one! You see, I have stumbled (more like rolled directly) upon one of television’s greatest quotes (like ever). I dare say that this is the real answer and solution to anything and everything (I might be exaggerating a tad). It comes from the peculiar TV show Twin Peaks, which aired in 1990:
“Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot black coffee.”
These words were spoken by Special Agent Dale Cooper and they occupy a fuzzy warm place in my heart. The only way in which I am going to defy Agent Cooper is by slightly ignoring the “don’t plan it” part. When you are in the wicked hands of the winter blues, you kind of need a deliberate plan to escape.
That is exactly why, I am proud to present to you – from seemingly making sense to slighty idiosyncratic – 8 ways to escape the winter blues (because there are just 8 more weeks of winter to face!):
1. Let biology help you
At the roots of anything, there is your beautiful, perfect body. At the roots of those mentioned roots, there are hormones. And they know it’s not sunny outside. Alas, they are loopy characters. One can easily fool them by doing mundane stuff, such as exercising! As the science people keep telling us, exercising releases goodies throughout your whole body, such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. That is basically a feel great cocktail. You don’t need a membership to the gym or to run a marathon to get there. A walk is enough. Doing some at home yoga is great. Trying out a dance routine in your living room is beyond fun!
This can also constitute a double win. I love love love walking and trying to take the route that has the most calming views. In order to win you over and convince you to be an explorer yourself, I will show you some sights from the last month, because they alone helped with my dreadful mood:
2. Plan something you can look forward to
Sometimes we live for little events in the near future. I understand it is better to exist in the present moment and fully enjoy it. However, that is not always a viable option. In my opinion, it is perfectly acceptable to drift away from time to time in order to not lose your sanity <3
That is exactly why my friend and I tend to make up some compelling plans during the most gloomy month of the year. Without even realizing it, the said activity cures something we didn’t even know was sick. For example, we are arranging a spa date, because our bodies are a little bit tense after this wintery season. We want to go to a concert together, because we are craving that feeling of togetherness. And then, just like that, we have something to look forward to when the clouds are getting too gray or the temperature sinks a little bit too quickly.
Moreover, we are encouraged to take a good look at ourselves and point to where it feels empty, where it hurts. You can plan anything, it doesn’t have to be something expensive or grand. Plan a picnic on the first warm day, or a movie night at home next Saturday!
3. Create a spring/summer Pinterest board
If you are anything like me and dream about summer in the midst of winter, maybe this one can brighten your day. You see, your brain can’t really tell the difference between reality and imagination. So let us thoroughly exploit that!
I mentioned Pinterest, but you can use any platform or tools you enjoy working with. You can create a scrapbook of your past summer adventures. You can look up traveling related content or devour novels about reading on the terrace in Tuscany. If reality doesn’t allow it right now, find another way of making it real!
4. Get excited about something you love
Something great about a new year is that new things come out. For example, movies, books or music albums. Okay, not everything is announced in January, nonetheless, you can choose this month to look up anything you are interested in and get excited about it!
If you know a brand new novel from your favorite author is coming out, you can note down the date and remember it when nothing worthwhile seems to happen around you. For me, it is Heather Fawcett’s latest book is coming up in February. Anytime I need some good news, I google the reviews or the cover art and it just comforts my soul.
5. Buy a plant and watch it grow
Nature heals and so will you. This is meant to serve as a reminder that, with care and love and loads of water and sunshine, you will find your way out of the earth and up towards anything you wish to achieve. It is a beautiful thing, watching something grow. Also, it is less of a commitment than a dog or a baby so that’s cool too!
My favorite ones to watch grow and (some of them) blossom are the Japanese Rose and the Parlor Palm. This type of rose creates stunning pink flowers that look like fairy dresses. The grandiose woody plant brings a sort of freshness to the room and it makes it feel like an exotic forest.
6. Ignore the skeptics and get yourself an ice cream
This one is because I enjoy controversy. I think physiology does too, seeing how ice cream can actually soothe a sore throat! If you need another rational reason to eat this deliciously frosty treat during the cold seasons, I have two: it doesn’t melt as easily and you can take your precious time enjoying it!
No, but seriously, this is my go-to way when I find myself in a situation I can’t change, but want to enjoy as much as possible, I look for the silly things, reach for them and transform them into celebrations. I find this method rather whimsical and efficient.
7. Coffee.
It might sound aggressive, but only to match the chosen Twin Peaks vibe. In truth, all I encourage here is to find something warm and delectable to look forward to every day. We are playing it hot and cold here. Whether it is coffee, tea or hot chocolate, I can assure you, a moment like this can improve one’s day significantly.
Make it even more magical: put some cinnamon into your coffee for a daily abundance ritual, serve your tea from your shiniest china, as if you were having a tea party. Try ingenious hot chocolate recipes and rate them!
8. Get obsessive about something
Whenever I am going through a rough patch, obsessions help. Does it sound healthy? Maybe not, but it is more enjoyable and less draining than overthinking or feeling bad about myself. This is how I got over a lot of troublesome periods in my life, so it sounds like viable advice to me.
As you might have already guessed, my latest obsession happens to be the masterpiece of a show I keep mentioning. Looking up theories and opinions online never fails to take me back to middle school. It is so calming to realize that, no matter where you are in life, some things will awaken the exact same feelings in each version of yourself.
It is a valuable reminder: in any stage you might find yourself during this season, it is still you. You are not gone, nor lost. And you are incredibly powerful and worth making happy. Let’s do exactly that, starting small and ending bright.
So what is you serotonin-boosting activity of choice: a hot beverage, a yummy weirdly-named ice cream flavor? Maybe a cute ZZ plant or a show with really pretty actors. Whatever it might be, I wholeheartedly hope it makes you smile today, even if it’s merely an inner one.
Kurtiboo
The way Twin Peaks is popping up in my random daily activities, yeah, ok, mainly while scrolling through Instagram, and now here? I think this was my confirmation that I should finally watch it! :)) Aside from that, “in any stage you might find yourself during this season, it is still you”, this quote hit me in a sensitive spot. This past month felt like a year’s worth of content (stay-at-home content, sadly). It’s been the reality for so many of us, and I’d started forgetting how vibrant and happy I can be! Thank you for the nice words! <3 Also, your list made me super appreciative of my friends; they really did make this awfully long winter so much more enjoyable! <3
P.S. Love the cozy park photos, somehow they make me miss the snow! *BRRRR* Hugs :*
The Cozy Sisters
You have to watch it! And then give us an update, of course. Sending love and hugs for the end of winter to feel like the beginning of spring
Kurtiboo
Thank you sweeties!☺️🌱