3 Tips for Surviving the Dreary Dumps of February
It takes resiliency to live in the Northwest through the month of February. We’re known for the rain and never-ending gray days that even hide our beautiful mountain ranges - hence the phrase, “the mountain is out” when the sun happens to break its way through the thick blanket of dullness. February in Washington really pushes you to be strong. One of my favorite local authors, Tom Robbins has even lamented about the dreary, constricting, frustrating, disappointing month of February. In his novel Jitterbug Perfume, Robbins writes that:
“However more abbreviated than its cousins it may look, February feels longer than any of them. It is the meanest moon of winter, all the more cruel because it will masquerade as spring, occasionally for hours at time, only to rip off its mask….and spit icicles into every gullible face, behavior that grows quickly old.”
I love this description of February, and I highly encourage you to read the full passage. I can send it to you if you like. I write about February right now because I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling increasingly claustrophobic and antsy. There’s this lingering feeling of anticipation…for what, I’m not sure, but for something that never seems to arrive. Perhaps, it’s waiting for that warm, sunny day. Speaking of which, do you remember that rare stretch of beautiful, warm sun a couple weeks ago? It seems like it was ages ago now! As we wait for the shortest month to take forever to pass, I offer these three tips to survive the remainder of this lackluster month.
1. Bring the sunshine to you, even if it’s artificial
Let me be clear - I’m not referring to tanning booths. Rather, find ways to brighten your space, at home and work. Open the blinds, get light colored curtains, bring in new plants, or even consider getting those “daylight” light bulbs (I don’t know their official name). This may sound silly, but I even find that just changing the background image on my computer monitor to a sunny, beach landscape has made me feel a little better. At least I can day dream about a sunnier, warmer place.
2. Stay active
I know there are numerous reports and advice out there about the importance of exercise, but more than anything, I’d say it’s good to just keep moving. Go for a walk, go dancing, just do something that gets you out and about. I admit, as much as I have to drag myself to the pool, I always feel really good after a good swimming workout. Plus, you can reward yourself with a sauna afterwards. Whatever you choose, find something that gets your circulation going – walking, swimming, playing tennis, etc. My physical therapist used to reiterate how exercising simultaneously does wonders for your brain and cognitive capacity because of all that increased blood flow (I know she purposely reiterated this point to me, since at the time I was wrapping up grad school).
3. Plan for better days
I find that making some concrete plans for a spring trip, or even taking a weekend trip 50 miles away can help overcome those feelings of being stuck in the February rut. Go to the ocean, go hiking, explore a new city or town, or find a great a restaurant. Even locally, if I spend a day in Columbia City or explore Ballard, I feel better (I’m sure that’s partly because it ties into that whole staying active piece). Even a trip to Owen Beach in Tacoma can significantly brighten my spirits – if you haven’t been there, you should check it out sometime. For those living outside of Tacoma, Pt. Defiance (including the 5 mile drive) and Owen Beach could just be that perfect weekend trip. Go have some fun over this long weekend – weather be darned!
These are a few steps I take to help February pass more quickly and less painfully. Tell me what you find to be helpful. Do you have suggestions of new places to check out ?