Beat the Winter Blues

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is cold out there. Beyond freezing, quite literally. I believe the high for today alone is 10F and tonite is probably going to see me under six blankets including an electric throw and with several layers of clothing. It is quite enough to drive someone mad, let alone sad.

But, I was thinking today about some ways I fight through the doldrums of the winter season and thought I'd share them for anyone who might be feeling the same way I do (that maybe getting a ticket to a Caribbean island and starting a new life in the heat is a good idea).

Create

From ObscureGem's About Page shot by yours truly

For all the artists, writers, musicians, fashion designers, jewelers, inventors, etc; take the time to create something. Not only will you have the satisfaction of a finished product, but being productive will no doubt get your mind off of the cold or the darkness.





Catch Up On Reading

Taken on a trip to Vermont. This is somewhere in
Middlebury.

Wintertime is prime time to grab a cat, curl up, and read a good book. Here are some books I've read recently, though check out goodreads.com for some other great book selections.







 Drink Some Tea

Earl Grey from Teavana

I'm both a tea and coffee drinker, though I definitely reach for my teas at the end of a winter day. Earl Grey and Lady Grey are two of my favorites, but I also love breakfast teas. I ordered (about a month or so ago) a great tea sampler from Shasta Loose Leaf Teas and would definitely recommend this company to anyone who loves loose leaf teas. Check out their Earl Grey and Queen Mary if you get the chance.






Exercise
I notice that I usually tend to slack off my exercise routines during the snow as I can't take a good run outside with my dog or go swimming, or go outside. I constantly feel cold too so I tend to eat a bit more (how is this connected? no idea) and spend much of the time huddled under blankets. However, exercise can actually help you feel warmer, as increased blood circulation can speed up cell renewal and increase your metabolism. Find something that works for you; personally I tend to fall back on core strength exercises and flexibility training during this season to keep everything moving nicely.

Listen to (New!)Music

Through following several bands and whatnot, I've become aware that not many releases are made directly following Christmas, though Within Temptation's Hydra did come out recently, but this doesn't mean you can't listen to some exciting new tunes, even if they are new to no-one but you. Branch out of your typical genres of listening, and you might be surprised.