I wouldn't say this is exactly "rising from the ashes..."

This blog has been quiet for far too long. In fact, it's been so long that I won't even bore you with the details of the past several months besides saying that I have a stable job that I enjoy (as opposed to an unstable job that I enjoyed) and every time I think about making artwork, I feel like I want to explode because there is a sufficient lack of space in which I can make art.

That's not why I'm writing this blog entry, however.

At the beginning of last year - in the thick of winter - I realized that winter in the city with its gray concrete, gray buildings, gray sky, and dead trees made me feel depressed. It was a nice revelation since it gave insight into why I would want to cry and not want to get out of bed some days during winter months. With that in mind for this year, my wonderful husband made sure that I read over a little article, sent from HQ of where he works, about how to gird myself against the assailant known as Winter Blues. I thought I'd share with some snarky commentary.

Lighten Up The Winter Blues

Feeling tired, irritable or unmotivated? (why yes! I am starting to feel that way). You’re not alone. 1 in 4 people usually feel some form of seasonal winter sadness. Add in tough economic times, and you may be suffering a 1-2 punch.

Fortunately, most people benefit from some simple steps:

Look to the light.
Seasonal sadness may be tied to shorter days and less natural sunlight. Open blinds or curtains first thing in the morning; walk outdoors in the daylight for up to an hour a day if possible; increase natural light indoors. Brighten up your home by adding additional lamps and lighting fixtures during the winter months. Spend time outside on warmer days when possible.

(I would love to add an array of lighting in our apartment, since it's already dark to begin with. The classic villain here: Electric Bill. Introducing the glory of artificial sun also introduces the pinch of paying for it. Energy saving bulbs would help except I can only find cool shades and nevermind that they contain mercury. Going outside shouldn't be a problem, except the cold...)

Color your world.

Studies show that red can encourage activity and overcome depression. Yellows stimulate. Orange shades bring joy. No need to repaint home or office however; just spot-treat with throws, pillows, flowers or artwork.

(This is actually a fantastic idea; and I love color. The chronic problem I have is that I am perpetually drawn to shades of blue, purple, and green. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy warmer colors. I just can't seem to figure out how to incorporate them in either my wardrobe or home decor. We sleep in blue sheets. There are browns/blues/greens in the living room. The bathroom is blue/white/black. I am obsessive-compulsively 'cool,' and not in the sense of being awesome.)

Get jumpin’ jack.
One hour of outdoor exercise can be as mood elevating as 2.5 hours of clinical light therapy. Even indoor exercise can have a positive effect; just get in the habit and stick with it. Starting an exercise routine and sticking with can boost energy levels and endorphins so you feel more alert.

(It's time I confess: the idea of exercise makes me cringe regardless of how much I know it would be beneficial. Let me tackle the color problem I have and then maybe I'll feel motivated enough to exercise.)

Up and at 'em!
Resist the urge to oversleep, and get on a regular sleeping schedule that allows you to be awake as much as possible during sunlight hours. Avoid taking naps.

(This is a realm I have little control over, but at least it's in a positive way. Not only does my body refuse to nap unless I am ill, and I wake up at the crack of dawn to sit in front of a desk and greet cats and dogs and their owners at a hospital. The latest I sleep in on my day off is usually before 10:00am.)

Eat smart.

Cold weather increases cravings for carbohydrates. Avoid the ups, downs and weight gain from fatty sugar foods by eating whole grains like oats or rice and nutritious fruits and veggies. Discipline yourself not to overeat, too. Avoid junk foods and environments that may encourage bingeing

(Ok. I'm game for this! Just that Thanksgiving going into Christmas and all the leftovers is not a great way to try that out. But this is something I can at least manage the easiest.)

Now all I need are healthy doses of peppy music and move to a state that has shorter winters... or figure out a way to make winter trips to Hawaii.