Winter Depression

Now I can’t speak for all people, but I believe I can speak for many when I say that winter really can bring on the doldrums for us if we don’t find some indoor outlet to keep ourselves busy. Lack of sunlight and outdoor time can have a very real effect on our mind and body. Whether it is just a lack of vitamin “D”, or cabin fever, this season has a way of making us feel miserable. You see, most of us Minimalists are outdoor people; after all, that’s where the world is, outside our front door. It’s easy to have very few material possessions if you’re seldom even home.

But when the winter comes ……. we spend a lot of time at home. More than we care to. Everybody does. At least that is the way it is up here in the northeast US. Now, for those who are actually into winter outdoor activities, all the power and love too you. Get down with the Skiing, Snow Shoeing, Snow Boarding, or whatever the it is you guys do. I commend you for that. As for me, I can’t stand the cold. I need the warm weather. But if I go more than a couple days without sunlight, I get depressed.

Over the years however, I have discovered many indoor activities (not necessarily home activities) that are my go-to for the winter season. Social, active, and/or skillful activities to “fill us up”, or add value in the cold dark winter. These include:

  • Roller skating at the roller rink.
  • Bowling
  • Pool (billiards)
  • Games with friends and family. Video, Card, and board. (I do this all year long actually).
  • Exercise classes at the gym.
  • Read a good novel.
  • Take on a small project. I once knew a lady who had a lot of down time, so she decided to make gingerbread candy houses for poor children who would otherwise not get much (if anything) for Christmas. Ya never know.
  • Winter is the perfect time to get started on whatever goals we have set for ourselves for the year, ya know, before the sunshine and good weather comes in and deviates us. I.E. If the Winter is dreary anyway, might as well get started on some of the boring steps on the path toward our goals for the year (think about it).

So much depends on where we live, as to what is available to us. I can only speak for the activities I have found. If anybody knows of any others, please comment on this post.