Better sleep. Birdsong. Netflix and chill. And 7 more ways to beat Erie's winter blues.
January is the Monday of the year. By the time February rolls around, I realize it is only Monday afternoon.
When I get out of bed in January and February, I need two cups of coffee before my mind clicks into gear. Many early-morning walkers come down with severe winter blues in February. Even the Super Bowl carries only a fleeting interest. I have found I am far from alone in this little difficulty.
More: How does a Pennsylvania hiker find 'wonder' in cold weather camping?
So, what can all of us inflicted with winter blues do? Here is a short list of what may help:
Sleep. This might be the hardest of these suggestions. Get enough good sleep each day. It will make your day successful when your body and mind get enough rest each night.
Make the most of daylight hours. Keep the blinds and shades open during the day to allow in natural light, which may increase your levels of Vitamin D and help fight those sluggish feelings.
Move around. Do not spend most of your day at a desk, table or in a recliner. Moving around increases blood flow and circulation to boost energy and mood levels.
Work out. Going to a gym, yoga or spin class can help you get out and connect with others while boosting your health on multiple levels.
Go for a car ride around Presque Isle State Park. Yes, this is one way to get out in nature.
Make time to get intentionally cozy. Let yourself relax with a good book, catch up on Netflix under a warm blanket or take a short afternoon nap.
Take a trip to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, take in the latest displays, and visit the gift shop. Remember, Erie has the Art Museum, Erie County Historical Society Museum and local art galleries, and even if you don't ski, drive up to Peek'n Peak Resort for lunch and enjoy the scene.
Bring nature indoors. Get some plants. It has been shown that indoor plants reduce stress and anxiety and increase attention. They all have incredible power to clean the indoor air we breathe.
Try natural aromatherapy. Nature is full of native plant aromas, and science has shown that they not only make our environment pleasant, but they are also rich with chemicals that enhance our thinking, mood, immune system and more. Scientists are looking more and more carefully into the cumulative therapeutic effects of plant oils.
It doesn't matter if you are a fan of nature or not. You may have noticed that when nature and its peaceful sounds surround you, you become calmer and more content. The simple sounds of a waterfall, the wind singing in the trees, a stream running and the birds singing in the woods are naturally relaxing. It has been shown that nature's sounds help enhance the body's ability to disconnect.
More: 13 tips for wintertime walking at Presque Isle State Park
Yes, by this time of year ― even in a relatively snow-free winter like this one ― many of us have just about had it with cold weather, puffy winter coats, runny noses and a deskbound lifestyle that comes with the winter months.
See you on the park!
Gene Ware is the author of 10 books. He serves on the board of the Presque Isle Light Station and is past chairman of the boards of the Tom Ridge Center Foundation and the Presque Isle Partnership. Email him at ware906@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Ways to beat Erie PA's winter blues: Better sleep to birdsong
