Stay active and healthy to cure winter blahs

The middle of January is prime time for the winter blahs. The excitement of the holidays is over, the days are short and it’s cold, snowy and icy.

Typically these blahs manifest themselves in a variety of negative ways. Craving comfort food, which is usually high in fat and calories, (like my favorite macaroni and cheese), losing interest in previously enjoyed activities, not socializing with friends as much, fatigue and anxiety are symptoms of being blah-ed out.

I have a friend who calls this depressive state of mind “the Januarys” though it generally lasts until the beginning of March.

For seniors, the blahs can be especially hard, said Amy Cotton, director of operations at Rosscare and nurse practitioner for the Center for Healthy Aging.

“I hear my patients, most of whom are homebound, say that they are ‘just a little sad,’ or feeling down, or are eating more, and not sleeping well,” she said. “They are just not feeling like themselves. Family who visited for the holidays may be gone, so now they are spending more time alone and they often can’t get out as much due to weather.”

Keep in mind that whether you call it the winter blahs, holiday blues or the Januarys, this down-in-the-dumps feeling is not to be confused with seasonal affective disorder or depression.

If you experience winter blahs well into spring, contact your health care provider as depression is not a natural sign of aging – no matter how old you are – and is treatable.

But if you are just feeling blah-like, there are things that may help. Cotton has tips for surviving the holiday blues and winter blahs:

. Keep your mind alert by reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards with a friend, doing crafts and hobbies. Any activity that engages your brain. If you have a box of unidentified family photos, think about organizing it. Later generations will thank you.

. Exercise. A snowy yard is no excuse to be sedentary. If you can’t get out of the house, exercise indoor. Check with your doctor for options.

. Choose healthful “comfort” food. You’ll feel better eating a nutritious stew than ice cream. Seriously.

. Increase social time with family and friends. If they don’t call you, call them. Make a tea and cookie date. I used to do that with my mother and Aunt Lil when I was a child, and I always looked forward to it. Make your own memories. Something so simple can make an impact for a lifetime.

. Be creative. If you love decorating for the holidays, do it for other special occasions as well. Valentine’s Day is coming up and it is hard to be depressed when surrounded by lacy red hearts and candy.

. Make plans for fun things to do in the future, like a special dinner or a trip. It gives you something to think about and to look forward to.

. If possible, volunteer for an organization you admire. People donate their services at the holidays, which is wonderful, but when they are gone, many of the agencies still need help. And there is nothing like helping someone else to make you feel better.

. Take a class. Check the Calendar section of The Weekly for a listing of things to do. You might be amazed at all that is going on outside your door.

If you are feeling the winter blahs, I hope you take Cotton’s advice. I think I will, as I am the queen of winter blahdom. We may be in this together, but I am willing to try if you are. Winter fun, here I come.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on www.eaaa.org.