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Gray Skies are Gonna Clear Up
It's wintertime in the midwest. Of course it's going to be cloudy a lot. But this is getting ridiculous! I'm writing this a few days before you get it so with any luck, we will have enjoyed a sunny day. Nevertheless, the clouds will come again, so here are some tips if the gray skies are getting you down:
Dress in cheerful colors - winter clothing is often neutral or dark colors.  Wearing sunny yellow, fire engine red, or grass green can brighten up a mood. If you don't have those colors in your wardrobe, go out and buy yourself some shocking pink underwear. You'll know you have them on and feel better!
Turn up the lights - even if you normally like dim lighting, make it a practice to open the curtains/blinds and turn on all the lamps and overhead lighting when you are in a room.
Go outside - when it's gray and cold out we tend to hibernate. Bundle up and go out into the fresh air for five minute interludes (running to the car or building doesn't count).
Pretend it's summer - take ten minutes a few times a day to visualize summer. Close your eyes and remember what it's like to be at the lake, the ballpark, gardening, or taking a walk in the country. Bring in all your senses as you remember. Smell the smells, hear the sounds, feel the sun beating down on your head, experience a cool breeze on your sweat-dampened skin.
Have a beach party - if pretending doesn't work, have a few friends over and have them bring shorts or swimsuits, turn up the heat, spread beach towels on the carpet, pass out the Coppertone, make your favorite summer drink, and play music that reminds you of summer!
While we can't take charge of the weather, we can manage our mood. Get creative and figure out other ways to change the dreary and dull into short bursts of sunshine and light! I'm smelling the sunscreen already!
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People who are prone to depression in the winter may really be
affected by our prolonged dreary weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a particular time of the year, usually in the winter.
If you, or someone you know,
is suffering more than you feel is normal, you may want to mention this
to your physician or therapist. SAD can be treated with light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication.
This can be a
very challenging time for people with depressive symptoms. Please feel
free to call me or make an appointment if you think you need some help. Don't suffer unnecessarily.
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