Breaking Out of the Winter  Doldrums
by Jill Darling 

It's that time of year when the instinct to hibernate kicks in along with our burrowed furry friends. The short gloomy days and long dark nights tend to lull us into a catatonic state as we sit slack-jawed in front of the TV for hours on end munching on calorie-rich snacks. This lack-luster stupor affects our well being and too often we're drawn into a gloomy state of depression ourselves.

 Well, it's time to break out of the winter doldrums by doing the exact opposite of what you feel like doing. Instead of couch plopping and soda popping, do something refreshing and invigorating. For one, make it a point to get out in the sun. Since the sunny times we have in our area are limited, I watch the weather report to see when the chances of sun are and plan my day accordingly. I neeeed the sun.

 When the sun is finally out, I make sure and get out whenever I can, right then, because many times the opportunity is lost in a matter of hours. Even if the sun peeks out for few minutes during a gloomy spell, I run to the window and bask in the moment. What a difference it makes to get out on a gorgeous blue-sky day, even if the temperatures are freezing. The benefits are amazing. Just bundle up, even if it means covering every inch of your body to keep warm, and go for a walk. Don't stay holed up within those four walls like a caged animal.

 If daytime walking isn't an option, get out at night. Some of my most memorable walks are when my husband and I walk amid large-flaked softly falling snow or when we can see our breath on a brisk moonlit night that makes diamonds in the snow. Some enchanted evening!  How romantic!   Plus, night walking breaks up the loooong stretch of the evening.

 Since wintertime is when most people put on weight due to lack of exercise, I defy what my body would rather do-be a slug-and exercise while curtailing the urge to binge. I drink tea instead of snacking, or if I do snack, I make sure it's something healthy-well, most of the time. It's OK to be decadent once in a while. When going outside is not an option, I reach for a workout video or jump on the mini-tramp. 

 The wintry season is a time to try new things. Do something fresh. Be creative and try out new recipes. You can learn a new hobby like painting or crocheting.

 Get a jump on spring cleaning by cleaning out a closet or cupboards. Shampoo the rugs. Or redecorate a room. 

 Other things I do during the winter months to bring light and life into our home is to buy flowers and light candles. Cheap grocery store bouquets can be divided into nosegays and placed in various rooms around the house. Candles emit a soothing warmth and hominess. And that cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect time to dust off the family photo albums or watch old videos of family vacations. Reminiscing about good times with family and friends fosters an air of thanksgiving for the meaningful relationships we have. The bottom line is to stay fresh and keep the energy flowing. Don't shut down.

 Not only do I need to get out and walk in the sun for physical and emotional strength, but I need to walk in the Son for spiritual energy. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12). I play lively praise and worship music and get into His presence. 

 I think about the myriad of blessings that God has given us and thank Him. It's easy to get caught up in negativity, complain and wallow in depression this time of year. But a grateful heart makes for a sunny disposition as you recount the blessings of God. Paul admonishes us to "Rejoice in the Lord always."  Try it. There is so much to be thankful for. Besides, it's the perfect antidote for breaking out of the winter doldrums.