BEATING THE WINTER BLUES
4 Tips To Stay Cheery When it's Chilly
You ever find something funny. Like ha, ha funny, but also like :’) ha ha funny.
That’s the way some of us may feel about this ever, descriptive, super lampoon-ish, a very on-brand piece by The Onion.
I’m noticing a trend here. Mental health becoming a meme.
Whether or not you it’s a meme to you, though, here are some tips to help with beating the winter time blues.
Whether you’ve got the winter time blues, had a stressful day, or just want to relax because why not, these are all research-based (on myself) and proven to have had an effect (most of the time a positive one). I kid, I kid.
THE SHREW SPEAKS: THE POLITICS OF BEATING THE WINTER BLUES
Check out the rest of this podcast episode about self-care, and the politics of beating the winter time blues.
1. Meditate
Nothing slows my beating heart like a few deep breaths.
Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Hold. And Repeat.
If this is foreign to you, or you’ve never tried to meditate before, no worries, dude!
Yes, I may have read The Miracle of Mindfulness, but I’m still waiting on that ever-present miracle. Dang it, there I go again: being out of the moment and losing my state of presence.
(I personally thought that was a very clever joke, but maybe that was just me.)
But, what I mean to say, if you’ve never tried meditating before, there are meditation apps that will guide you! My personal favorite is Insight Timer.
*Not a paid sponsorship, although it’d be cool if it were.*
You’re able to set the tone of the meditation (motivation-based, relaxation, bed-time), whether you want a soothing story or a guided exercise. Plus, tons more ways for you to tailor and create the exact experience you need.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, it’s free! There’s a premium upgrade, but it’s not a necessity.
This app is my go-to when I’m stressed, and I always feel, if not wholly calmer, at least a bit more clear-headed.
2. Don't Put on the Twilight Soundtrack
Maybe, it’s just me, although it’s probably not…Raise your hand if you couldn’t resist putting on your favorite sad song, even though it’ll just make you sad(der).
Yeah, me too, my friend.
But, I’m here to say stop it!
I mean, you don’t need to put on your lit playlist, but maybe switch it up with some boppier vibes.
Just don’t play Possibility. You know, that one song from Twilight? “It’s a possibilityyyyyy…”
(It’s a good song, just not for right now.)
3. Try Putting all of Your Attention Into Something
It’s all about distraction! Coloring pages are a good example. The intricate coloring pages are great at distracting me. Especially when you try super hard to stay in the lines.
If you’re over coloring pages, and you’ve retired your crayons and markers after middle school, cool. Good for you. (Absolutely kidding.)
But, it doesn’t mean this won’t entirely work for you. You simply need a different distraction. And, lucky for you, I’ve got another idea.
Try learning something new. Yes, this sounds cliche. But, hear me out!
This is a little unrelated, but not wholly off-topic, but I once decided that I was going to learn to play the drums, and I only used Youtube as my instructor. For free!
I’m sorry to that drum kit.
I, unfortunately, didn’t work hard enough to debut as a lead drummer (obviously). But, needless to say, there are so many things you can learn to do on the internet!
I mean, you could even learn to start your own blog (ha ha).
If you don’t know where to start, have some fun typing in “how to learn how to….” into Google.
Who knows? Google predictor might be the distraction you need until you find something that catches your eye.
4. Write it Down!
Write it all down! Everything. Every thought, every word. Don’t censor yourself, just go for it.
Pretend that this is your opportunity to tell “em how ya really feel!”
As a fair warning, if done correctly, this activity can induce oodles of emotions, but that’s what also makes it cathartic.
If you sincerely allow yourself to just free-think, or should I say “free-write,” without any boundaries, you may be surprised at what you end up putting on the page..or the Word Doc.. or whatever.
The point being, this is a really intimate and honest way of sorting out your feelings, sometimes.
(I feel the need for a disclaimer, as I make no claims for always here. I’m just making suggestions).
Even better, you’ve allowed yourself to come out of your head–if even just a bit.
What’s now written is now no longer swirling solely in your mind. And, maybe you’ve also sorted it out a bit?
Putting it out on the paper can offer some sense of release and clarity. Without any pressure because it’s just you. Talking to yourself 😉
But, even better! If you have and want to talk to someone else in your life, you absolutely should!
You can also contact me here!
My DMs are always open.
These Are My Trade-Based, Insider Secrets on Beating the Winter Blues
I’m so kidding. But, these are honestly things I do when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
I also got some great advice from some lovely Shrews on the Facebook page on how they handle the winter blues or stress. Make sure to check out their advice, too!
However, I should point out that the list is incomplete. How incredibly irking of me, who only provides 4 helpful tips, not a solid 5?
Well, I’d like to know what fifth method you would add! Comment, and let me know!
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The Gender Pay Gap in The United States
The gender pay gap has reduced drastically since the Equal Pay Act of 1963. However, in recent years the gap has been closing much slower. This video and post explores what factors influence the gender pay gap, like race, disability, education, and cultural norms. As well as what we need to do to accelerate equality.
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The word “queer” is often thought of explicitly in terms of sexuality. But here, queerness is defined and pushed deeper. Looking at what “queer” means to others, state violence, Michael Brown, and activism this piece explores the queerness of blackness.
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6 comments
Super funny amusing post. And simple. Of course,
we should not forget travelling to warmer places..
Great article!!! I love it!!! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!!! Thank you for visiting The Shrew!
Love this! Your writing style is uplifting in and of itself 😀 I especially like the tip about not listening to sad songs. It took me years to figure that one out, but once I did, I realized how much impact music can have on my moods. Now I choose happy music always. No matter how much I like a song, if it dampens my mood, I change it.
It’s so true, Rose! I think I’m still learning that one lol, but at least I’m learning! Thank you for your kind words 😀
Great tips to beat the winter blues. I like the idea of learning a new skill in the winter months