In all honesty what I really wanted to title this post was five strategies for surviving the soul-sucking winter of discontent that is February in New England.
But that seemed a bit wordy (and a bit negative) so I put it in the first line instead.
This morning as I chipped enough ice off of my car to snap my ice scraper and stood in the rain long enough for the rain to wash all of the gel out of my hair, I let out a string of expletives that would make a trucker blush.
Because I chose to live in New England. And every February I find myself squealing when I swing my bare feet out of bed and onto the frosty hard wood floors. I have free will, and I used that choice to ensure that I, as a Steelers’ fan, I would forever be surrounded by Pats’ fans AND the dark cold despair that is this time of year.
Ah, but I digress.
The bottom line is that this time of year is often a struggle when you live in the Northeast. The shininess of the new year has worn off, or in this case, has basically become an extension of 2020. We’re between football and baseball seasons (pitchers and catchers report today though!), and are looking forward to warmer temperatures that are hopefully around the corner.
But in the meantime, what do you do?
1. Act against it.
I’ve written about this strategy in the past and it has been a go-to for me often when I’m feeling low. Sometimes it’s good to lean into the pull to do nothing, but more often than not, you’ll feel better if you resist the urge to huddle up on the couch and do nothing for the night.
What is something that you know makes you feel better? Exercising? Listening to upbeat music? Calling a friend?
A few weeks ago my college roommates wanted to hop on a Zoom call on a Saturday night. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, but after some cajoling from them I hopped on for the chat. And it didn’t take very long before there was a lot of laughing and I felt immensely better.
Which brings me to number two…
2. Laugh
If you want a good laugh, check out “Death to 2020” on Netflix. Or any comedy special by Jim Gaffigan. Or go waaaaay back and check out some classic Bob Newhart. Love that guy. Regardless of what it is that makes you not just chuckle, but full-on belly laugh, go looking for it, seek it out, and laugh. It not only burns calories but it also helps you complete the stress cycle.
3. Look for the natural highs.
I remember learning about natural highs in high school. Things like waking up before your alarm and realizing that you have another hour to sleep. Or putting on a new pair of squishy socks. Turning the seat warmer on in your car. Taking the first sip of coffee in the morning. Look for those things.
4. Find something to look forward to.
I’m not even talking about trips, though hopefully there is a light at the end of the tunnel that will allow for more vacations and travel. I am looking forward to when my parents are both vaccinated and I can see my niece and nephew in person again. Try to think not just long-term, but short-term as well. What are you looking forward to today? This weekend? Next month?
I have a new journal that asks this question of me everyday. And I’ve found myself recognizing some of the small things. Looking forward to getting in my car on my drive home to listen to more of my book. Getting into bed after a long day. Learning to look forward to the little things can make a huge difference.
5. Dig out the good tunes.
Over the weekend I dove into my vinyl collection and pulled a few of my favorite albums (Petula Clark, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye…) and I just sat in my living room and listened to the tunes. I didn’t have any agenda, I didn’t try to work or do anything.
I did, however, sing “This is My Song” very loudly, much to Sheila’s chagrin.
But hey - I felt better :-)