Dealing with Winter Doldrums

When the weather starts to turn cold in October, November and December, we are busy and involved with the fall and winter holiday seasons, including the warmth and joy of Chanukah. Once we get to January, however, it is back to business as usual regardless of whether or not we feel in the mood to fulfill our work and school responsibilities. The cold weather sets in, days are shorter and there is less light than in spring and summer months. The roads may be covered with ice and snow, with the icy conditions and strong winds making it difficult to drive and to walk outside as well. Spending more time indoors brings with it even more issues, from lack of sunlight and fresh air to dry skin and even just plain boredom. 

Often, those who can afford it will become “snowbirds” and go to Florida or another warm climate during the winter months while maintaining their homes in the colder climates for the rest of the year. Those who cannot afford this or who do not want to uproot themselves can find other ways to enjoy life and to learn to cope with the cold weather season. If you like cold weather and snowy sports, you have a wide variety of options from skiing and ice skating to sledding, snow tubing and tobogganing – but care should be taken to do these in areas that are safe and away from cars and crowds of people. 

Many people have the condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Steven Dubner and Angela Duckworth, who host a podcast called No Stupid Questions, discuss this in great detail. They relate that this condition is more common in women than in men, but can affect people all over the world. The amount of outdoor light available during a season can affect mental health. Our bodies produce certain hormones and chemicals from sunlight and lower levels of sunlight mean lower levels of those hormones and chemicals. This creates an imbalance which can have severe consequences for those with SAD. In addition, when we spend less time outdoors, we can develop “cabin fever” and feel cooped up with nowhere to go. 

While we are lucky to have Thomas Edison’s invention of electricity and indoor light, it is often not enough to prevent melancholy feelings. A product called a light box can be purchased, providing light that is 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor light. This can be used to simulate sunlight and offset the problems caused by lack of light in the winter. However, it is recommended that you use this no longer than 30 to 45 minutes a day.

If the roads are not icy and it is just cold and a little snowy, making an effort to walk outside even for a short time can make a difference in one’s mood. If you are not feeling good about yourself and your place in the world, it is difficult to find the motivation to do this, but making the effort, even to just walk in front of the house or around the block, can make a big difference in how you feel. 

There are indoor activities that can provide comfort and keep us busy and distracted from our lack of light and sunshine. Instead of exercising outdoors, consider going to the gym during the winter months. If you prefer to exercise at home, you can purchase a treadmill, bike, stair climber, elliptical or other workout equipment, which are often available second hand at an affordable cost. There is also the option of having a movie night with family and friends, either at someone’s home or at a movie theater. Volunteering for a worthy cause is also a good use of time, providing positive energy and feeling good about ourselves. 

You do not need to limit wearing brightly colored clothes to the warm weather seasons. There is no rule that one has to wear black, navy, brown and gray. Shades of red, blue, green, yellow, pink, orange, and purple can add brightness and energy to one’s environment. Having the right winter gear is important as well. Find the fabrics and the winter coat that works the best for you. If you find that wool itches your skin, down coats are a good alternative. There is outerwear that provides more insulation and warmth.