Winter Blues

While some people say winter is their favorite time of year, others anticipate it with a feeling of dread. Long nights and short, overcast days can affect those whose mood is light sensitive. Coming to the end of a year can be discouraging for those who feel they have not made progress or met their goals as they had hoped. Financial stresses may be increased.

Even more significant may be the fact that, more than any other time of year, we are reconnected with childhood emotions during the holidays. Sometimes these emotions can be especially difficult. Many people feel like they are being called upon to give to others when, at the same time, they are emotionally "running on empty" themselves. Often adrenaline carries us through until the new year, but then "the blues" hit. The pattern can become so familiar that just the anticipation causes uneasiness to set in. It does not have to be this way!

The following suggestions are reprinted here "by popular demand" from a Christmas letter that I sent several years ago. (If you feel "the blues" have settled into a more pervasive depression, I also encourage you to consult a qualified professional, who can be of significant help.)

If you or someone you know is one of the many who experiences greater emotional stress at this time of year, here are some suggestions. As a memory aid, I have used the letters of the phrase, "I BLESS" (If we do what is healthy for ourselves, we will be in a position to be a blessing to others as well):

Involvement: Don't withdraw. Involve yourself with friendly people who are good for you. Try making a new friend or two. Stay involved with healthy activities and pursuits that balance your life.
Body: Be good to it. Get exercise and fresh air, practice good nutrition, get adequate rest, minimize physiological stresses. (And remember to forgive yourself for the almost inevitable holiday indulgences - think long term.)
Light: If you believe you are light sensitive, try adding more light to your home, especially balanced lighting made to resemble sunlight. Consider substituting "broad spectrum" style tubes for "cool white" fluorescent lighting. Also, spend 20 minutes or more outdoors on a daily basis. Even on an overcast day, you will be exposed to much more light than can be created in your home.
Expression: If you have uncomfortable memories or feelings, try to express them. Talk about them to someone you trust, or write about them in a journal. Grieving is often a necessary part of healing. If you feel it would be unwise to deal with such memories or feelings on your own, seek a professional or trained person to help you.
Self talk: Monitor what you are saying to yourself. Being "honest" doesn't mean being pessimistic. Say to yourself the same hopeful words that you would want to say to someone else who needed encouragement.
Spiritual: Just as we have physical needs for sustenance and emotional needs for human companionship, so we have spiritual needs for a relationship with our Creator. The first Christmas heralded God's provision for these needs, as the angel announced "good tidings of great joy . . . . For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." While I recognize that not everyone who reads this shares my convictions, I believe spiritual health is centered upon a growing relationship with this Savior. If you agree (or are open to the possibility), remember to devote quality time to this fundamental Relationship, and seek the fellowship of others who are like minded to encourage you along this path.