TIPS TO AVOID THE WINTER BLUES
Fall and winter bring shorter days and longer nights, as well as the likelihood that you will be struck indoors.
Let’s face it: it’s normal for us all to feel a little down when the nights draw in and the weather turns cooler, but for others, this can signal the beginning of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a genuine and, in some cases, catastrophic disorder. Still, for most of us, if we get it at all, it is a basic and very tiny chemical shift in our brains caused by a decrease in the sunshine, causing the brain region associated with energy levels to malfunction.
One of the benefits of living in the Carolinas. is the benefit of mild weather. So even though the days are shorter, and temperatures are cooler, consider doing something new. Plan activities to look forward to, such as a weekend away, a night out with friends, or something continuous, such as marathon training.
Here are four tips to avoid the winter blues.
Explore the outdoors
Go outside. Nature in the fall and winter is a stunning sight to see. Furthermore, spending time outdoors can work miracles for your physical and mental wellness. There are local state and national parks providing idyllic drives and breathtaking views- that can help rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway spans 469 miles from Afton, Virginia in the north, to Cherokee, North Carolina to the south. The Parkway boasts stunning vistas and plenty of opportunities to get out of the car to stretch the legs.
Looking to stay closer to home. A visit to Freedom park is always a great option. Located between Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods, Freedom park is 98-acre park, with a seven-acre lake. Meander through and feed the ducks, take advantage of the basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, and baseball facilities or the several play areas for children.
Don't seclude yourself, socialize with your gang
Spend time with your friends or girl squad and put forth the effort to travel rather than remain home. Everyone has those always cheerful buddies, no matter the weather, time of year, or day of the week. Support local small businesses by grabbing coffee, lunch or dessert at a locally owned eatery. If you love art and culture- you can always plan a day trip to the Gantt Museum or the Mint Museum. The Gantt is known for its collection of art from the African American community. There are always interesting events and activities going on at the museums. ongoing exhibitions. Soak in the rich beauty and stories and feel inspired. Catch a play at the Knight or Blumenthal theater. Having a plan to hang with friends will help break the monotony and prevent isolation.
Get a new hobby
If you are not one for outside activities, take up a new indoor hobby. How about roller skating? Rollin’ CLT offers indoor skating experiences or lessons. Another option, pottery. Netflix series like The Great Pottery Throw Down led to a surge in interest in the art. Places like Clayworks in Charlotte offer one day workshops and lessons to introduce newbies to the craft.
Do Good Work
Volunteering is a way to get engaged and build connections. There are numerous organizations within the community that can use an extra pair of hands. Organizations like Share Charlotte help connect people to organizations looking for assistance. Best of all, sometimes helping others translates into helping yourself.
