~ Bailey Shawley, M.Ed, CCTS-F, Specialized Parenting & Educational Consultant
What is it about January? Is it the cold weather, the long days without the holidays to look forward to, the holiday bills, the sicknesses that are running rampant, the struggle to get back into the groove…? My colleagues and I have been having several conversations lately about motivation, feeling out of sorts, and overall struggles. We can’t put our finger on exactly what “it” is that we all are feeling, we just know that we don’t feel like we think we should, or like we want to be feeling. Then, my adolescent clients come for their individual consulting sessions, and we talk about how tired they are, how hard it is for them to get back into the swing of things at school, and how they feel like things aren’t “quite right.” The best answer I have is, it’s the Winter Blahs. These feelings have been the inspiration behind some of my recent blog posts exploring how it is okay to not be okay, seeking support, and understanding self-care.
Even if you don’t struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), winter can be an especially challenging time. We are cooped up inside, it’s darker for longer periods of time, and all of the holidays activities end fairly abruptly. If you aren’t into football or basketball or hockey, there isn’t much to watch on television as a distraction. Book clubs and social organizations often get put on pause in December and January, so you may not be socializing as frequently as you would like.
So, what are we to do about these Winter Blahs, since it’s becoming more apparent that we need to do something? The first step should be figuring out whether you are doing anything to help yourself. It’s really easy this time of year to give into those blahs and get stuck in unhealthy patterns. Are you eating well, sleeping restfully, drinking enough water, and moving your body? Are you reaching out to friends, meeting up with colleagues, or hanging out with family members? Are you engaging in your hobbies at least once a week?
The next step you should take is making an appointment with your primary care physician. While I don’t give medical advice, your doctor definitely can. Some people benefit from bloodwork to see if their iron levels and vitamin levels are where they should be. Some people feel better after a visit with their medical provider because it gives them a chance to check in and share what has been going on with their physical health. It’s always a good idea to see whether there are any physical or medical issues at play when we are feeling “off.”
Other ways to fight the Winter Blahs include making opportunities to enjoy yourself and having things to look forward to doing. Several organizations and businesses are hosting shopping events, music performances, and social gatherings in the next few weeks to help us beat the Winter Blahs. Circle those dates on your calendars, invite your people, and start a countdown to fun. I am looking forward to attending the first annual PA Chestnut Festival this Saturday as a vendor with my handmade bookmarks. I’m also looking forward to providing mini Reiki healing sessions at NAMI of North Central Pennsylvania’s Overcoming the Winter Blues event February 22. There also are several Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s events being offered at various venues and businesses, too.
Of course, it’s very helpful to talk to a trained, listening ear if you just can’t seem to shake the Winter Blahs. My colleagues at Pine Creek Valley Wellness Center all are licensed, trauma-informed mental health professionals with various specialties. I’m also available for people who want to work with a specialized consultant on improving self-esteem, engaging in self-reflection, challenging mindset, and setting and achieving personal and/or professional goals. I also support professionals struggling with secondary trauma, burnout, and stress. Parents and families also consult with me to navigate challenging behaviors, manage emotions through co-regulation, communicate effectively, and address transitions, co-parenting, and educational challenges and concerns. Or, if you’re looking to recharge, refocus, and relax, schedule a half-hour or full-hour Reiki healing session with me.
If you recognize that you are not feeling quite right or struggling with the Winter Blahs, make an effort to do something about it. Winter lasts too long for you to struggle through it the entire time.
B Connecting, LLC 