Chasing away winter blues

Jennifer Russo

When we are in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget that winter is a time of relative stillness. In fact, solstice means “sun standing still.” The grass and flowers under the frozen dirt are resting. The leaves inside the trees are resting. Some animals hibernate or migrate, and if you have ever awakened in the early morning after a fresh snowfall, there is an innate peace that surrounds it. 

For some, including myself, the “winter blues” can start to creep in due to the shorter days, decreased sun exposure and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but this is also a great time for us to focus and center. When life around you seems to become dull, it affords us a great opportunity to pay attention to things we may overlook when our minds are in full throttle. It’s a time to watch and listen and appreciate beauty in the people and things around you. It is also a time to look inward to what you hope to manifest in the coming year. It is a time of creativity: draw, paint, write, sing, cook and craft with the intention of simply enjoying the journey without focusing on the result. 

As much as I dislike the cold, a bundled up walk on a snowy trail can be a blissful experience, especially when you catch a cardinal or blue jay flying by, contrasting against the white background. Take time to appreciate the green pines undeterred by the weather. Listen to the snow crunch under your feet and the fountain-like sound of icicles dripping onto the ground. Take a deep breath of crisp and clean air and marvel at the fog which appears when you breathe out.

In addition to getting into a better mindset at this time of year, there are simple things you can do that will help you feel better as we make our way through the winter. Take vitamin D supplements, enjoy the healthy winter vegetables that the season provides, volunteer or help someone, buy something at a small local business, get enough sleep, compliment someone and make a genuine effort to smile more.

The pure light in me honors the pure light in you. Namaste.