Overcoming the Winter Blahs
Many people suffer from the "winter blahs or blues" as temperatures drop and daylight hours decrease. Common symptoms include decreased motivation, increased fatigue, and decreased social engagement. It can feel hard to get up and do something, but there are things we can do to boost our energy levels and feel more motivated to face the day like for example engaging in regular activities and
Please check below mentioned resources for more information.
Participation question:
How do the winter blues affect your mood?
Helpful Videos:
How to Beat the Winter Blues and Brighten Your Mood
Helpful Resources:
10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
How do the winter blues affect your mood?
When there is little sun and it's darker I tend to feel less energetic and more tired.
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@amiablePeace77 Not all the time for me. I do prefer the warm weather more however I love all 4 seasons so I am not really affected by the winter blues. If however I am ill at the start of the time change then I wont have the blues just maybe I go About my day being a bit slower but within 1-3 weeks I am up and running at my normal pace.
@amiablePeace77
It's too cold. I miss the sun hitting me.
@purpleTree4652
Wish I could send you some Caribbean sunshine 🌞. I remember well the cold days when I lived in a country with wintertime and snow. Something that can help is going out for walks when there's a bit of sun or even using seasonal lights.
@amiablePeace77 How do the winter blues affect your mood?
I tend to want to stay in more except when it snows and I clear the snow. I need to pay attention to my moods and not let them hijack me. I have been through winter before and I will get through this one.
@soulsings
I believe it's very helpful to remind yourself that you did it before!
@amiablePeace77
Well, what I miss is sunlight and "free heating" where it applies. I think also that city OR country residence has an impact. Over in France, our winters are not too cold, but rather wet and foggy and the trees are all grey. However, the birds do sing and don't seem to have the blues
@Fradiga
We need to become "birds" Fradiga 😃
I tend to feel cold due to the cold weather outside.
@Admirablerainbow2825
offers a hot beverage! When I feel cold self-care like taking a warm bath or sitting down to have a hot chocolate or a hot soup can help to feel warm again.
@amiablePeace77
How do the winter blues affect your mood?
It’s more gloomy and dark outside than bright and sunny/sunshine, no DST, it’s a lot colder as it gets more colder every winter of every year. Unless I’m cleaning the snow and helping others out with that I don’t really go out during the winter unless it’s to run errands.
But my mood isn’t affected, at least not negatively, by these things bc I know it’s only temporary and won’t last forever, I love to help others out and helping them clean up the snow all over their properties gives me that opportunity, and I get to relive my childhood playing in the snow with my dearest one year old niece who loves making so many different snow mans. And whenever I’m home I’m heated up by the heater.
So all this keeps me happy and peaceful, even during the winter.
@akunknown
Nice that you do not let the Winter Blahs affect your mood but focus on what is important to you! 👍
@amiablePeace77
How do the winter blues affect your mood?
I feel peaceful on the contrary because the weather is pleasant and calm as opposed to the scorching heat of the summer.
@trueconfidant123
The scorching heat of the summer can be quite difficult to endure for sure!
@trueconfidant123
Same 🤗💚
@amiablePeace77
Quite a lot to digest in this post, thank you.
I'll revisit the link about 'Talking Therapy' to read all the comments gradually as I'm back to night shifts tonight.
I'm starting to accept that PTSD has been affecting me more that i have been crediting, taking with a therapist is becoming increasingly attractive.
@RunningMachine
PTSD is a serious thing and talking to a therapist about what happened in the past and learning new ways of dealing with life can help a lot to feel more confident, peaceful and enjoy life more.
@amiablePeace77
I love this time of the year, so my mood is wonderful 💚🤗