Beating the Winter Blahs

I wish I could say that returning to routine has gone super smoothly and I’m back to high energy. However, wild fluctuations in temperature, extra snow shoveling and treacherous conditions all made last week a bit of a grind. Just getting ready to go outside with all the extra gear can be exhausting! While we’ve passed the winter solstice and the days are getting ever so slightly longer, more often than not it is overcast and grey.

This is a tough time of year for many people for many reasons and church attendance can suffer because of it. Whether it's nerves about winter road conditions, being blocked in by snow and ice, recovering from the flu or a cold, or suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or other mental health concerns, our people can take a hit and so can we. How do we combat this over the next couple of months? Here are some suggestions:

1. Practice good self-care. It’s true that we need to put an oxygen mask on ourselves before we can be of any use to others. Be aware of how your body and mind are coping with the strains of the season and take care of yourself. Take a nap if need be, and make sure you are actually eating vegetables and proteins and other real foods instead of just mowing through leftover Christmas treats and baking. Practice yoga or do other stretching so your muscles don’t tense up and/or get strained. Don't neglect time in personal devotions.

2. Be both a Son and sun worshiper. We know that we need vitamin D to be healthy. With sunny days often few and far between, when one arrives make the most of it. Spend as much time as you can outside, find excuses for walking places, and play with your kids in the snow. No kids? Spend extra time shoveling or snow blowing, even clearing your neighbour's place so you benefit from more exercise and sun as well as feeling good from helping others.

3. On miserable weather days, take the opportunity to put on snuggly clothes and enjoy a “snow day”. Get some organizing or de-cluttering done to make you feel happier in your space or accomplish other tasks that have been waiting, bake cookies or bread or make that more complicated supper, watch a favourite movie, or just enjoy working from home in pjs with a mug of hot chocolate and your favourite slippers.

4. Be aware of mood and seasonal disorders impacting your learners and congregation. Be on the look-out for those who are struggling and who may not even understand why they are feeling this way. If you notice people not showing up to things, send a message to check in, or just phone for a chat. Be mindful of families having a tough time because of anniversaries of loss, economic situations or broken relationships. Kids and youth can be hit hard by mental illness and keenly impacted by their parents’ challenges.

5. Brainstorm with your learners one or two fun activities that could possibly be congregation-wide to conquer the winter blahs. Keep it simple to not over-load anyone’s plates, such as a congregational movie afternoon (meeting at the theatre avoids issues of licenses and permissions involved in watching at the church), board games night, talent show or concert. Consider a potluck meal or spaghetti supper if you don’t already do a pancake supper for Shrove Tuesday.

6. In worship and in programs, celebrate what is happening in the midst of this dark time and point towards what is coming. As Lent comes closer, it’s a good time to consider a project to focus on the needs of others rather than ourselves. Look at denominational resources or think about other organizations or ministries that would benefit from the support of participants in your programs or the congregation as a whole.

I pray that you don’t get stuck under the weight of winter, but that you are able to continue to see the Light as the days lengthen. Be gentle with yourself and others, encouraging rest and good self-care.

Spring is coming, and Christ continues with us on the journey.