So, we’re in November, 8 months after the onset of the pandemic, (the Covid babies should be almost ripe) and we’re still in it. We have to get through the winter somehow and it’s not going to be easy up here in the Frozen North. I have a feeling I’m not alone in finding the lack of light worse than the lack of warmth. Walking outside when it’s cold (but not crazy cold) is pretty enjoyable if you have the right clothes on, and the winter light can be beautiful…there’s just not enough of it. When it’s 1 pm and you’re already noticing that the light is shifting in that mid-afternoon way, it’s depressing. There’s a feeling that you can’t really do anything productive once the sun goes down. I’m not sure how I’d survive farther north.
So, what are the strategies we can employ? I decided that instead of wallowing in self-pity I’d think up a few things that could help, particularly after seeing how depressed my—normally upbeat— husband was yesterday. I, too, have been feeling the Covid Blues big time lately, in fact, not since April have I felt quite so down, and I actually get to go to work and see people now, unlike during the first wave.
I know some people hate the holiday season, but Christmas is coming up and I always find that decorating the house and putting up lights gives me a big boost. I don’t go overboard, but I put up coloured lights outside (a couple of simple strands, which take ten minutes to install). I check my storage area and grab a few favourite decorations, maybe some candles, you know the drill. I’m super lazy so I keep things really simple. Today I bought a small poinsettia and an amaryllis, because I think they really add to the atmosphere, and watching the amaryllis come up from its bulb is almost exciting! If you’re Jewish or come from a different tradition, feel free to insert your own ideas here that will remind you of happier years, your childhood, etc.. The point is to brighten up the house, which will hopefully brighten your mood as well.
There are no pets available for adoption right now (maybe some cats, but hardly any dogs), so if you’re stuck, maybe think about getting a gerbil, a hamster, or a guinea pig. Even a fish might give you a bit of a distraction, a lift and a purpose. I know someone who swears by bunny rabbits as pets, maybe they’re more available. Even doing the research into these possibilities might make you feel a bit better.
Getting off the internet, with its phony distractions (see above), depressingly upbeat IG posts, and its godawful news, and picking up a book, or a paintbrush, or some knitting needles could be incredible for your morale. It’s nice to take stock of your inner life, and it’s hard to do that if you’re constantly checking FB or scrolling TikTok. Try turning it off at 9 pm and turning it on 12 hours later, as a starting point. If that works, try turning it off for a whole 24 hours, or dare I say, a whole weekend? I’ve done that for two weeks in a row (just 24 hours, I’m not quite at the weekend stage) and it’s been great. I started reading a book, which kept me off the internet a lot more for the next few days.
If you haven’t jumped on the sourdough bandwagon yet, it’s never too late to try it. I’m really enjoying the process of feeding the sourdough and baking, and providing bread for the two of us every week. I’m not going to go on about this, but it might be something you’d enjoy, too. Check out Elly’s Everyday on Youtube. She’s got the right, relaxed attitude for the novice baker.
The other night Dave and I pulled out some of our vinyl albums and listened to some great music before turning on Netflix (which is another good option, but it can be overused) and that was a booster. I think changing things up in any way is a good idea. If you feel like you do the same damned thing every day it feels pretty stagnant after all this time. Don’t be afraid to do something a little differently than usual or change your routine. Have tea instead of coffee! Baby steps…
I hope this helps some of you out there in Cyberland. I miss all my friends and my family, and wish we could all be together. Stay healthy, stay sane. This, too, will pass.
Here’s a bit of a fun pick-me-up by Erica Lee Martin. Enjoy!
I love to hear from you!