A Winter Pick-Me-Up

Maria V. Gallagher has found a few ways to overcome the winter blahs.

It used to be that once January rolled around, I found myself a little rudderless.

The Christmas ship had sailed, and I discovered that I had plunged into the icy waters of winter.

I salute those of you who eagerly look forward to wintertime pastimes such as skiing, sledding, and snowman building. But alas, that will never be me.

Perhaps you can relate. You merrily roll through the Christmas season, spreading holiday cheer. However, once the calendar turns to January, you careen head-first into a winter’s slump.

Fear not, intrepid soul! You can rediscover your groove even after the echo of the Christmas carols subsides. I have found the following to be helpful in creating a winter pick-me-up that will last at least until Valentine’s Day:

Make your favorite hot beverage and take a five-minute timeout with the Lord.

While nursing your cocoa with extra marshmallows, spend just a few minutes chatting with God. Your conversation does not have to be fancy or particularly festive—just an old-fashioned heart-to-heart talk can do you a world of good.

Do a five-minute closet check.

Are there items that are in good shape but leave you feeling “blah”? Consider donating them to a charity that can put them to good use. What leaves you cold may just warm the spirits of someone in need. After all, what we don’t use may actually belong to someone else in the grand scheme of things.

Take a five-minute stretch or dance break.

I realize that it may be cold where you live, and a walk in the wilderness may leave you shivering. If so, try some mini-exercises inside. Chances are good they will boost your mood as well as your heart rate!

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Text some good cheer.

It only takes a few seconds to text a kind greeting to a friend or loved one. Just a simple sentence or phrase and some great emojis may lift the spirits of someone who is in need of some tender loving care.

Send a greeting card.

The card can be either store-bought or handmade. But I find that in either case, it raises my level of optimism to reach out and touch someone’s heart through the mail. And who knows? You might just get an uplifting card back in return.

Pay a visit to an elderly relative or friend.

When things got tough in our home growing up, my mother would pack up the family for a car ride to Grandma Hazel’s house. Those were special times that increased my happiness quotient exponentially! And I know Grandma Hazel greatly appreciated the company.

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You can rediscover your groove even after the echo of the Christmas carols subsides. #CatholicMom

Granted, these mini-retreats from the daily grind may seem minor fixes. But, when the gloom of January falls, I find these little pick-me-ups really do brighten my day and help me to power through my most difficult month.

My hope is that these little sparks of joy have gotten your creative juices flowing and you can now come up with your own list of wintertime tricks to get you motivated.

And remember, you can always turn to Christ in the darkness. His light never fails!

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