Beat the January and February Doldrums

The holidays are over for another year and it is back to work and routine, all with short, cold and lifeless days. No wonder people get depressed this time of year. Some fight back with compulsive shopping, see the weekend zombie mobs at your local Costco or Walmart. Others up their game from beer to hard liquor. Then there are those who throw away that shiny new gym membership along with all the good intentions just two or three weeks in. Trading for big macs, vanilla fudge brownies and meat lovers' pizzas, they slip below the waves of despair. Too many try all these unhealthy options at once. There are better options...

Turn off the computer (after reading this post)! Go outside for a nice long walk in the cold to  clear your head. Germs make you sick not cold temperatures. Appreciate the deep blue sky and low winter sun. Moving around will make you feel better. For best results, make this a habit.

Reconnect with family and friends. Facebook and emails do not count. See people in person for hugs, real voices and fellowship. A little pizza added for fun never hurts. We all feel odd and uncomfortable this time of year. Join together to beat back these unnatural feelings.

Get a dog or a cat or another pet.  Alone? This is a great one! They never sell you out, always listen and always love you. I think cats are a little cheaper and self-sufficient if you are gone a lot. Dogs will get you out of the house more. Got kids? Teach them about taking care of something alive. Pets can cheer up any home. Cheaper still? A betta fish.

Grow stuff.  Brighten up the house with plants. There are tons of things that still grow in winter. There are many even I can keep alive. Plants are also a good natural air filter. It is a good, positive way to stay engaged with the world beyond your own troubles. Plants never go out of style.

Learn something new. With internet access, you can learn more about virtually anything. Writing, sewing, history, computers and better sex, yup it is all there. I'm studying Photoshop. I think any creative thing is worthwhile. 

This time of year does not have to be depressing. Rather, it is whatever you want it to be. Time is our most valuable thing. Use it wisely, even winter time.