I have a close friend with an incredible tolerance for heat. He must have been a lizard in a former life. For him those hazy, hot and humid days of August are sheer bliss. He dreams of living on the equator and "following summer around the globe". Winter, on the other hand, is his idea of torture.

Though we live in surely one of the most beautiful places on earth, day after day of cold gray skies can make us miserable. For two months we've been inundated with the holiday rush; singing songs, wrapping gifts, attending parties, preparing feasts. We barely noticed the shortening of days, the changing weather. Then, all of a sudden, it's January. The credit card bills arrive. There's nothing to celebrate. It gets dark so early, and it's cold.

If you're tempted to crawl under the covers and stay there, don't worry. You're not so different from the bears and wolves with their instinct for hibernation. They know this is the time of year to turn inward, to pause from the work of daily life, to rest. Even the trees are sleeping. What seems like such a dreary time is in fact a beautiful and necessary part of the cycle of all creation. All things rest, awaken, grow, produce, and rest again. When the urge hits, then, indulge yourself. Wrap up in your favorite blanket, and take a good nap.

Recognizing this cycle helps. A friend of mine always finds a sign of winter on her birthday in July and a sign of spring on New Year's Day. Look for a sign of spring in your yard today. It's there, waiting. I used to think of winter as a terrible time one simply endured. Now I look for the glory of this season. Have you noticed the beauty of winter trees silhouetted against the sunset?

There are other ways to keep the blues at bay, like making sure you have plenty of light. Open the blinds, even when it's dreary outside. Light fragrant candles everywhere; at your dinner table, while you bathe, beside your bed as you read at night. Set out bright pictures that are meaningful to you. I kept a picture of daffodils above my desk many winters as a reminder of what was to come. Notice warm colors and use them wherever possible. Wear colorful clothes, use bright linens, and buy fresh flowers at the local grocery. Study gardening books. You may even enjoy forcing your own spring bulbs.

Exercise is a natural antidepressant; so after your nap, get up and move. If walking outside in brisk air isn't your cup of tea, walk the mall. At home, put on your favorite music when no one's looking and dance up a storm in your own living room. Tackle that indoor project you've been putting off. You'll feel better getting something done inside when it seems nothing's happening outside.

Dreaming, of course, is always good medicine. Pick up travel brochures at a local travel agency and dream of a trip to warmer climates. Play is good for the soul, too. If you're feeling creative, throw a beach party. Bring out the beach toys and the Beach Boys. Ask your friends to wear their wildest tropical shirts, and serve something fruity!

If you just can't seem to shake the slump, it's ok to seek out professional help. Either way, when you find the joy in January, I guarantee it'll be April before you know it.

Now, where did I put that blanket...

Copywrite ©1998 Wendy Pitts Reves.