by Megan Brown, @thatgirlmegan
December 21st is perpetually the darkest day in my life.
That dreadful day is the winter solstice: the shortest day of the year. I used to be optimistic, touting the winter solstice as the longest potential party night of the year, but now I'm just bitter.
For those enough not geographically fortunate enough to never feel true cold, the winter solstice means that we have a long, hard winter ahead of us, full of freezing temperatures, frowns, extra pounds, misery and few federal holidays to take off from work or school.
In short, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or the "Winter Blues", will be in full swing.
But, don't wave the white flag just yet and burrow yourself in a bed of Kettle Chips, Bailey's Liquor and pound cake. There is hope. You can beat the Winter Blues and in the spring, emerge victorious.
1. Tanning: Believe it or not, tanning salons can actually be good for you. While I don’t advise tanning to the likes of the Jersey Shore cast, our bodies need the sun's Vitamin D and tanning beds are the best way to get a steady supply of it during the winter months. Vitamin D boosts our mood and helps to guard against osteoporosis, types of cancer and even heat disease. So, don't give up on your Laundry and Tan spot just yet.
2. Exercise: Packing on the winter pounds seems to only get easier with age. If you're a student, there are at least 12 organizations throwing a holiday party on any given day. If you're at home, grandma will want you to try each of her eight cookie recipes. If you're at work, you can't politely pass up Connie's Super Deep Dish Pizza Pasta Casserole or Fred's Seven-Layer Chili Dip. Plus, being confined to the house eliminates natural exercise venues like biking, hiking or even just enjoying a nice evening walk. Getting in the gym will release much-needed endorphins, give you energy and help you ward those few lurking pounds.
3. Massages/Facials/Pedicures: Winter weather is hard on skin. Whipping out the sandals in May after five months of wearing boots is always a sobering experience. To lessen the harsh blow, invest in a massage, facial or pedicure every now and then. You'll feel great afterwards and your body will thank you.
4. Plan Plenty of Socials: Staying in on a cold night and catching up with friends, planning dinner parties or even going out can help ease the pain of the winter blues. Go shopping with friends, invite people over for a movie or organize a weekly book club meeting to make sure you remain happy and upbeat.
5. Change Your Lighting: Lighting affects mood more than we may think. Who's trying to spend time under the bright fluorescents of Walmart? Exactly. Fill your home with soft lighting, or opt for a bulb that is made to mimic sunlight. Light boxes or CFL bulbs can provide the light you may not even realize you miss.
6. Take Naps: One of my favorites for last. I maintain that napping is the world's one and only cure-all. Catching a few Z's in the middle of the day for 15-45 minutes is a great way to recharge and feel energized. And, with the dismal weather outdoors, you really won't miss much.
Stay positive this winter. If you're feeling mildly depressed because you haven't seen the sun in six weeks, hang in there. We'll all get through it and live to see another spring! And, alternatively, another February.
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Megan Brown is a social media networker at Slingshot SEO. You can follow her adventures in SEO, sports, volunteering, cycling, and popsicle eating on twitter or her personal website.
Website: ThatGirlMegan.com | Twitter: @ThatGirlMegan
