Friday, January 15, 2016

Let’s Dump the January Doldrums by Alison Henderson

It’s mid-January. The holidays are over. The relatives have gone home. You’ve (theoretically) packed away the decorations, and you’re all set to give your resolutions the attention they deserve.

But after a couple of weeks your brisk, cheerful, ready-to-tackle-the-new-year energy fizzles. If you live in northern climes, snow and cold have finally settled in for the duration. If you live in coastal California like me, you’re starting to grow mold and wonder if you’ll ever see the sun again, because it’s been raining non-stop for weeks. The dreaded January doldrums have hit.

So, what’s the answer?

I have a short list of suggestions to lift your spirits, and I’d love to hear more.

  1. Go outside. Bundle up if you need to. Walk in the snow. Breathe fresh air. Take advantage of every minute of sunshine you can. This time of year we need all we can get. I think of some excuse to pop outside every time there’s a break in the clouds, even if it’s only to bring in the trash barrels or the mail.
  2. Search out live plants and flowers. Revel in the smells of damp earth and blossoms. This isn’t a problem for me, because flowers bloom year-round where I live, but for those in large swaths of the country, a visit to a conservatory or greenhouse in January can be a real day-brightener.
  3. Meet a friend for lunch (or tea, or wine). Families are wonderful, but chances are you’ve forgone friend time during the family-intense rush of the holidays. Besides, who else can you grouse to about your family?
  4. Visit an art gallery or museum. Seeing the fruits of others’ creativity may spark your own.
  5. Read something completely different. If you usually read romance, try a thriller or intriguing work of non-fiction. Now is a good time to stretch your literary muscles and get out of your rut.


What do you do to beat the winter blahs?

Alison

11 comments:

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

My routine is pretty much the same. Get up, putz around the house for an hour, throw a load of laundry in the washer, check emails, do promo, write, take a nap at 3:00, fix supper, check emails, watch evening TV with Calvin. Some days we go out to our writing haunts--restaurants and coffee shops. One afternoon a week we hit the matinee. I guess because Calvin and I interact off and on all day, I don't get the doldrums. I do confess to getting spring fever once the blossoms come out on my magnolia trees and that fragile green appears on trees and bushes. I sit on the front porch and listen to the birds...and write on my laptop.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Let's see. Reading the diverse offerings at The Roses of Prose. That's usually how I start my day. With coffee of course. I'm in the frigid, finally, north. Love those brisk walks that color your cheeks and take your breath away. Feeding then watching the birds. Working on the writing projects I love. Kids and grandkids going every which way. Hmmm. I'll take the rest of your advice, too, and the doldrums won't stand a chance.

Jannine Gallant said...

I get outside (on snowshoes now) every day. The beauty of having a dog is she won't let me take a day off! It definitely invigorates the body, mind, and soul.

Alison Henderson said...

LOL. I wasn't actually worried about any of you. Roses never get the blahs--we've got way too much going on!

Rolynn Anderson said...

I'd add baking to the anti-doldrum list. Since I have so many oranges and limes, I'm thinking of ways to use them in cakes, cookies, etc. Lime bars. Screwdrivers, gin and tonics. Oops...you can see where MY mind goes. Doldrums are rare for me; cures are so many and varied!

Alison Henderson said...

I've got a mountain of lemons, too, Rolynn. Last year I made sorbet, chicken piccata, and several types of lemon bars. I'd love to hear your favorite recipes.

Rolynn Anderson said...

Alison, I'm freezing the lime juice in ice trays...that way I can use it when I need it. Yay!

Diane Burton said...

I'm still in AZ-one more week. It doesn't seem like winter yet. I'm sure when I go home it will smack me in the face. Right, Margo? Like so many of you, I don't get the doldrums. Too much to do, so little time to do it in.

Alicia Dean said...

Love these suggestions! I don't get the doldrums either, but these still sound like great ways to rev up and feel refreshed creatively. Thank you for the tip!

Brenda Whiteside said...

Great suggestions, Alison. Like other writers, doldrums don't hit me. But I'll give this list to my mom!

Leah St. James said...

Love your suggestions, Alison! I had dinner with a friend from work who's also a published author, and it was so much fun. And I had a BOGO coupon, and gift cards so it didn't cost me anything but the tip! :-)