Ron Aulbach

Here in the Midwest it seems like it’s been an eternity since we’ve seen the sun for more than five minutes.  Weather data shows that we are significantly below normal for average daily sunlight for the month of January.  Add to the dark days the cold temps and you can really start to wonder why we choose to live here.  Do you find that your thoughts and attitude follow the weather?  How do you beat these winter blues that weigh so many down?

You might be tempted to hibernate and isolate yourself when the days seem dark and dreary.  Others turn to mind numbing activities or find comfort in food.  Most of our natural coping methods lead to more harm than good.  The only way to beat these winter blues is to break the habit and step into a new routine.  Here are a few ideas to get you going this winter:

1. Embrace a New Hobby – You’ve always wanted to pick up the guitar or learn a language.  Now is the time!  Push yourself to try something new, to learn and grow in ways you’ve never imagined.  You’ll find yourself looking forward to the time you get to spend honing your new craft.
2. Read a Book – Actually read LOTS of books.  The best one’s are made of paper and smell like ink and glue.  We spend far too much time with screens.  The screen has even taken over my reading as I’m consuming more books in electronic formats.  Regardless of the medium you choose, commit to reading a book a month.  Read broadly, from biographies to fiction.  Ask three people what they are reading and explore new authors.  Start reading the best book, the Bible and commit to reading one chapter a day.  The reading will expand your heart and mind to think about something other than the winter doldrums.
3. Plan a Vacation – I was recently challenged to layout the next 12 months of work and vacation.  It’s much harder than you think.  There is this illusion that you are needed, and it’s fed by the thinking that you are so important and valuable that you can’t ever leave.  It’s just not true.  So think about what you want to do this Spring or Summer and lock in the dates.  Book the flights, research the cottage, reserve the campground, whatever your passion start the planning process.
4. Call a Friend – Ever call someone just to see how they are doing?  Not needing anything from them, but just genuinely to check in.  Chances are really good that if you’re feeling blue, so are the people around you.  A few words of encouragement and conversation could change their day.  I had a friend do this the other day, just ask me my opinion on an issue.  I hadn’t thought much about the issue, but it was good to have someone ask me what I thought instead of just telling me what they think.  When you call a friend, ask them how they are doing, really.  Not just pat answers but honest heartfelt questions of how they are REALLY doing.
5. Go Outside – There is this saying that haunts me, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just soft people” (Bill Bowman).  That one has got me out of bed at 4:30am for a run or to hit the gym.  It makes me put an extra layer on and just go for it.  Most days I dislike that little phrase, but I always feel better after I get out and enjoy the fresh air.

This season will pass and with it the opportunities to grow and learn something about yourself.  Enjoy the season and keep looking for that sun!

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1