Beating Those Winter Blues

by aliciak - January 05, 2009

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For some, the cold months mean cozying up with hot chocolate in front of fireplace after a fun day of sledding or skiing. For others, those same months spell emotional meltdown and day after day of gloom. I hope you are not on the latter fence, but if you are, you are not alone!

Winter Weather Waaaahs

Sometimes you really have to thank the English language for making such awesome acronyms, puns and plays on words possible. Take S.A.D. for instance, which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Wow, isn’t that a fantastic acronym! But not such a fantastic affliction. Actually, it really sucks. I can’t say that I truly suffer from it, to be honest, having grown up in one of the dreariest places in the country year round, Pittsburgh. Summer or winter, the forecast mostly ranges from “partly cloudy” to “mostly cloudy.” “Mostly sunny”? An anomaly. Too many days of sun actually MAKE me sad because I have never known such weather…

But when winter bears down on us in the Northeast, it’s hard to stay chipper no matter how much that’s our nature. It’s cold, it’s windy, it’s hard to layer yourself stylishly and you seem to always be walking on those wind-tunnel streets that burn your face. (At least it gives you cute rosy cheeks? Damn they hurt though…) Going anywhere is such a chore and there are no picnics, no outdoor concerts, no ambling about in short skirts with Pinkberry in hand (or staring at such amblers).

Waaaaaaah, it’s winter in New York.

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What is SAD?

It’s called your life sucks if you live with someone who has it. Haha, kidding. Sort of. Seasonal Affective Disorder is colloquially referred to as the winter blues, but it’s far better to use the former term because it sounds real and serious. Winter blues? You wimp! Buck up already. Definitely go with a “disorder” when you can because you’ll get more sympathy points.

SAD is what it sounds like, a mood disorder where people who are relatively content the rest of year are hit with symptoms of depression come cold winter time. This could mean sleeping too much but having low energy, always wanting comforting carbs and sweets and a general lack of motivation.

BUT, it’s possible to combat these Eeyore feelings. Read on!

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Fight Those Blues!!!

try bright light treatment, lights that are “white full spectrum” and can compensate for the winter’s shorter and cloudier days
negative air ionization-increases serotonin, lower levels of which are thought to affect those dealing with SAD
when in doubt, seek out help from a therapist! He or she may even prescribe antidepressants for the season

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Replace SAD with R&R

As someone who doesn’t deal with transition well, vacations only make me resentful, rather than rejuvenated, when I return home. So, I dread coming back to New York every time I go anywhere else, but there are lucky people out there, maybe you, who do get recharged, in the body and mind, after a little R&R elsewhere.

Luckily, if it’s winter here, it’s also summer or summer-ish somewhere else. After a few dates with Orbitz and long airport lines, you can be living it up in a warm place. Or you can pretend you’re in a warm place by patronizing one of New York’s summery/ocean-y-themed places.

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Some clouds are good clouds...

Like these, that allow you to see the ocean without squinting while you bask in 85-degree weather on your beach front porch. Don’t have one of these? I recommend selling your soul in order to save your body then. It’s for your health! Watch out for those finance jobs though…I hear they are a bit on the unstable side.

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Fix Yourself The Fun Way!

Okay, lightboxes and medications don’t sound all that grand to me. I mean, I realize that SAD is a serious thing not to be cured with furry dogs and party hats, but I happen to think that some additional efforts could help tip you back over to the happy side.

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Dress Appropriately

I know I sound like your mom, but crap weather requires proper attire. If you’re wearing sneakers and step in a puddle, you’re done for. If your neck is exposed in 20-degree weather, you’re done for again. So of course you hate the winter! You aren’t workin’ with it. When you do take on the elements full force, you must have:

boots, and not just fashionable ones, functional ones! That are semi-water-proof.
hat+gloves+scarf, and again, not thin stylish duds, but ones that can stand up to a blizzard
the perfect coat-DOES not have to be a freakishly large puffy one, but preferably one that is lined and that buttons/zippers the whole way and covers your neck—this is not the time to show some skin in Manhattan!

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Arm Yourself with the Funnies

No no, not the comics, but those pictures, jokes, videos or stories that never fail to make you laugh. I have a bunch bookmarked and written down myself for those gloomy days, and although they may not quicken the coming of spring, passing time by laughing is a free remedy and a fun one. What makes you giggle? What makes you chortle? What makes you laugh so hard your stomach hurts? These are the things you need to find STAT.

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People's Improv Theater

154 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001

Guidespot’s very own Matt Fried performs here semi-regularly. Support his AND your cause.

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About The Author

aliciak

Tribeca, New York

I like to: crochet, eat, read, write, go to museums, watch old movies, cook, bake, observe children, visit the library, travel, cut my own hair, explore New York, mix gin drinks, bike ride, take photographs, keep in touch with people, be crafty, swim in the ocean, make bets, and read blogs and ca...

Beating Those Winter Blues

Winter Weather Waaaahs

Mayo Clinic's SAD site

What is SAD?

A fellow saddy sad