There have certainly been moments this winter in which I feel like I’m trapped on the inside of a snow globe and can’t find my way out.   The weather is a major topic these days-Even in casual conversation with store clerks etc.  The other day at Bread Co, a girl told me she feels like a case study in Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Here’s what I know.  Everybody is crabby! And I’m not complaining.   I’m hearing more people growing concerned that their mood has been lower than they like for longer than they like.  If that is the case for you right now, I hope you find some comfort in knowing you are not alone.

Some people can roll right through cloudy days with little impact on their mood.  And others are strongly impacted by a lack of sun.  But even if one isn’t plagued by SAD, the mere fact that it’s been so darn cold has kept a lot of people inside more than they prefer.  Add to that the unusually large amount of snow this year and there is a pretty good epidemic of cabin fever.  I also want to be careful to not minimize conditions that may be occurring in folks that are completely independent of the weather conditions.  These should be addressed separately from this post.

So what can you do if you are among those with a case of winter blues?  If in fact, you are a sufferer of SAD, you can investigate a light lamp.  Some folks have reported good success with these- at least enough so to get them through.  But if the issues are more related to just feeling cold and cooped up, you might consider some other options besides a long journey to Hawaii.

-Are there some old projects on your list that you’ve put off?  Wouldn’t it feel great to get some of those knocked out?  Now is a great time, because you’re not missing out on something else outdoors you would like to be doing.

-Is there a new skill you never have time to tackle?

-Any great books or movie classics that you’ve meant to get around to but haven’t yet?

-How about family games?  Or putting together puzzles with others?

-How about using the time to get more organized? Clean out some closets, set up some systems.

-Want to try some new recipes?  If you live alone, you can make them and take them to another group of people like workmates or another family.

Brace yourself, as more snow and weather muck is predicted for Sunday.  And like most things, the weather isn’t something we can’t change, yet we are impacted by it.  What we are in charge of however, is deciding how, and to what extent will be impacted.