Feeling Blue?

December 21, 2020

By Adelle Stewart, Executive Director of the Do More Agriculture Foundation

The winter blues are a real thing and for many reasons.  Not only are the days shorter and the nights never-ending during this season, but we are also staring into the long face of old man winter with seemingly no reprieve on the horizon.  Many people rely on travelling south for the winter or even a week’s vacation; this year, COVID-19 has made that a lot more difficult, if not impossible, to do.  Combine that with the fact many areas of Canada are already under several feet of snow - I don’t know about you, but I’m already fatigued from clearing snow, and it’s not even Christmas.  Some may say, “let’s be grateful for the moisture,” and I am, I am - I just wish it had come in January!

Snowfall and COVID-19 are yet more things outside of our control, but as producers, this is something we are used to.  Instead of letting that bog us down, let’s shift our perspective to what we can influence, in hopes they help us cope with the winter blues.

Here’s a quick checklist to help prompt your own responses as to what might work for you:

1.Acknowledge that the winter blues are a real thing.

❖    Reach out and ask for help if you are struggling

❖    Increase your vitamin D intake

❖    Purchase a sun lamp and use it in the dark hours of the morning

2. Use this time to honour yourself if you are feeling tired and worn down. 

❖    Go to bed early if you’re out of energy

❖    Leave the dishes until morning

❖    Open that book that’s been collecting dust all summer

3. Take a mini getaway.

❖    Spend an afternoon in the city.  Book yourself in for a float, a sauna, or a massage.  There are still many 1-2 person relaxation activities that can be done within our current restrictions.

❖    Take a weekend away.  With restrictions in place, we may need to get creative!  But just getting off the farm for a night can do wonders. Grab a room, order take out and pull out a card game.

❖    If you can’t leave the farm - take a daily life detox! Aside from pinnacle responsibilities, don’t do anything aside from that.  Turn off social media, let the chores pile up.  Build a nest on the couch, grab some snacks and have a guilt-free movie day with your family.

We are cyclical beings, and it’s normal to have decreased energy and feelings of “downtime” in the winter.  Give yourself permission to lean into that should it feel right for you.  We can look at winter as an opportunity to recharge for spring instead of a dark lonely time. Perspective is everything, but if you find yourself struggling to change your mood or a solution that brings you a reprieve, please don’t hesitate to ask your doctor what else could help.

There are no right or wrong ways to cope with the winter blues. Just remember to do you!