January Spotlight: Enjoying January

Enjoying January

The transition from December into January can be tough. Moving from an often fast-paced, busy month full of emotion – whether it be excitement and joy or intense grief or loneliness, or a combination of all of these – into a slow, long, frigid month with little daylight; winter can seem to drag on.

This can be a tough time of year for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression triggered by the change of seasons that typically begins in the fall and continues through the winter months, then fades away during the spring and summer months, although for some it may occur in the spring or early summer and resolve during the fall or winter. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:

Feeling sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Low energy and feeling sluggish
Oversleeping
Appetite changes, carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Having thoughts of no longer wanting to live

Many people experience a more mild version of these symptoms known as the Winter Blues. It is normal to feel down at times during the winter as it gets dark early, it’s cold, and we spend more time indoors. However, if you find that you are feeling down for days at a time, have difficulty getting motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, are experiencing sleep and/or appetite changes, or are experiencing thoughts of suicide, see your healthcare provider.

Despite this, January can also be an exciting month. A new year can bring a fresh start and new beginnings. Rather than making a vague New Year’s resolution, we encourage you to make a S.M.A.R.T. goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely) about one thing you will try to do to enjoy January. Maybe it’s strapping on those old hockey skates that are buried in your garage and going skating at your local rink every Sunday afternoon. Maybe it’s taking 15 minutes to get outside every morning to take in some sunlight or natural light to boost your mood and energy. Or maybe it’s trying a new winter sport, like snowshoeing or broomball. Manitoba is a wonderland for winter activities so check them out and see what appeals to you. Our initial response may be to curl up inside under a blanket but why not get out, be active, and have some fun with your family and friends? The opportunities are endless, for both indoor and outdoor activities. Challenge yourself to try something new!

Outdoor activity ideas:

Skate
Toboggan
Cross country or downhill skiing
Snowshoe
Curl
Hockey
Broomball
Ice Fish
Snowboard
Crokicurl
Ice Climb at Whittier Park
Take a walk on the Forks’ Rivertrail
Visit Oak Hammock Marsh, Fort Whyte Centre, Birds Hill Park Ranch, or other parks for winter beauty and activities
Make your way through the snow maze at A Maze In Corn
Visit the zoo
Visit St. Norbert’s Farmer Market (open bi-weekly Saturdays)

Indoor activity ideas:

Take in a hockey game
Attend the theatre, ballet, or symphony
Visit the art gallery and our many wonderful museums
Check out the planetarium
Sign up for a class
Join a hockey league
Mini-golf and check out the Golf Dome’s driving range and golf simulators
Go bowling
Play at an arcade
Do an escape room
Visit a rock climbing gym
Try a trampoline park
Try axe throwing or laser tag
Paint at a pottery studio
Visit a new restaurant
Go to a concert
Check out the Snowdance Festival of Winter and Music

If you find yourself struggling this January, reach out to a Wellness Specialist at info@careforallineducation.com, 1-877-602-1660, or on our instant chat on our website. You may also want to check out our Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness course or one of our other free courses. Check out the Events Page to see what’s new!

(includes information from www.mayoclinic.org and my.clevelandclinic.org)