In the winter, when the sky seems to turn an endless, dull gray my mood goes gray, too. I find it harder to get moving, and I hibernate. Even the first crocus appearing doesn't lift my mood right away. So I've come up with 25 antidotes to the winter blues to share with you:
- Hug a child - Children love to hug. Their affection renews your spirit.
- Listen to a baby laugh - If there isn't a baby in your household, go where babies are, like the playground or the mall.
- Fulfill a loved one's wish - It doesn't have
to be a huge thing, like buying them a house in the
Bahamas
- Take a senior citizen to lunch - Seniors appreciate your time and attention. Listen to them, you might learn something wonderful.
- Browse in a bookstore by yourself - Look at a cookbook to get a new idea for dinner. Or search the travel section and start planning your summer vacation.
- Have a glass of fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice - Fresh juice seems to retain sunshine and bring the taste of summer to life.
- Write a short letter to a friend - There's nothing like a handwritten letter.
- Take a walk in the woods - Even with the trees bare, the woods are fascinating. You can see where all the birds and squirrels had their summer nests.
- Brings flowers to your child's teacher - Or leave flowers in your school's office for all the staff to enjoy. Teachers give so much with little thought of reward.
- Watch the sunset- Sunsets are made from nature's most dramatic palette and no two are ever the same.
- Take a drive or walk through a different part of town - Seeing new streets, shops and houses feeds your sense of adventure and discovery.
- Watch all six hours of the BBC version of Pride
and Prejudice - Pride and Prejudice will take you back to
the days of Jane Austen. The manners, gowns, music, intrigues and
characters of 18th Century England
- Have a party, big or small - Party planning is great creative fun. Plan one with others or do it all on your own.
- Toast marshmallows, even if you have to do it on the stove. - Having that taste in your mouth when the weather is cold is a wonderful reminder of summer.
- Go to the zoo - Most zoos are open even in the winter. Not all the outdoor exhibits are available, but many of the indoor ones are, with fewer crowds, too.
- Browse through an art gallery - Walking through an art gallery is like being in an art museum, with no admission charge.
- Set up a bird feeder not too far from a window in your home- This is the warmest way to watch birds in the winter. Keep a bird book handy to identify all the different types of birds.
- Do a jigsaw puzzle with your family - Chat, eat and drink while putting the pieces together. When you're finished, you'll have a pretty picture and a feeling of accomplishment.
- Go to a magic show or learn a magic trick - Magic is still a wonder to me and makes me think that anything is possible.
- Sing a song - Sing a favorite song or make up your own song. Sing with a friend. Singing makes everyone feel better.
- Make someone laugh - Tell a joke or a funny story about yourself.
- Learn something new - Adding a new skill can make you feel more confident.
- See a funny movie and laugh until you cry - Have a favorite funny movie? Rent it. Or go to a funny new movie. Laughter makes you feel great.
- Call a relative - Do you have an aunt you like who you haven't spoken to in a long time? Call her. Call your uncle, cousin or in-law. It doesn't have to be a long, expensive phone call to be appreciated.
- Bake brownies or cookies for your firemen or policemen - How often do we stop to appreciate the people who keep us safe? Everyone loves homemade brownies or cookies and you'll be the hero.
Be thankful you are alive to enjoy another day. Just being able to wake up,
look at the sky and feel the sun is a gift. Be glad everyday that life holds so many
possibilities. Please share your antidotes to the blues here. Comments welcome!
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