Good afternoon! How are you today?
Recently, I’ve been thinking about how dreary winter can be. I haven’t been thinking about it in a “sad” or “depressing” way. But, contemplating the different ways it affects different people. It’s interesting how many people really do struggle through the winter. Not only are their moods affected, but also, their health. Then there are those who LOVE it. Really?? How in the world could you love winter?! But, there are the few that do. Then there are some that don’t care either way because it just doesn’t affect them. Their moods are the same no matter what season it is and feel good throughout the seasonal changes.
For me, winter is the worst. Ironically, a lot of MS patients have their worst time during the summer heat. Not that heat doesn’t affect me, but I do prefer summer over winter. It seems that most of my flareups are in the winter time, if not all of them. Over the years, I have learned to “deal” better. I have to get myself prepared physically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually before winter comes to deal with it better.
So, I will share a few things that have helped me. Things that have helped my moods and overall health. First, eat well. Yes, that seems like a simple task to say and don’t feel bad if you eat something less good for you, but get the mindset (your head in the game) that you’re going to eat well. When I ask Dr. Rodier what I should eat, he says “Whatever God has put on earth. Anything that man has touched should be avoided.” (Which is really most of the food items that we see in stores). It’s a struggle for me, but know that I won’t feel as good if I eat that way.
Secondly, (and unfortunately) get off the sugar! This seems to be a HUGE trigger for me. Sugar affects our moods and how we feel overall more than we realize. It wasn’t until the doc put me on his sugar detox diet that I realized how addicted to sugar I really was. He has said time and time again what an epidemic it is that most American’s are addicted to sugar. It seems sweet and great at the time of eating it, but then eventually you realize that it does more harm than good. Obviously, natural sugars in foods are OK, but should still be limited, at times. And, some people shouldn’t be eating it, at all. Processed sugars are the worst!
Another thing that has helped is just accept it. Yep! Accept it. At first, this was hard, too. (and still is at times) But, I’m here, where it’s cold and sometimes (Okay, most of the time) quite dreary, so focusing on it only makes it worse. I have worked on placing my focus elsewhere on positive and edifying things. I will even have to have conversations with myself, at times and tell myself “it’s only for a few months or it’s only for a short time”, etc… This really helps and then my focus is redirected to something more helpful and uplifting.
Another one I know that helps a lot of people, and the times I’ve done it has helped, is exercise. I wish I could say I was an avid “exerciser”, but that is something that I have to work on. This year is the year, I know it. Ha!
Other things you can do is take a brief (cold) walk. Just getting in the fresh (yes, cold) air has helped me. There’s, also, drinking more water, being with your family, watching inspirational YouTube videos or movies and meditation. Some of my friends meditate. I guess I’ve done that a few times, but I call that “prayer” or communicating with God and that has helped me, as well. He taught me this last winter to be grateful for it. Okayyy. But, I became grateful for dark and dreary winter and it seemed to help me get through it easier.
There are so many things to help us get through the drab and blah winters.
What has helped you? I’d love to hear!
I know winter is almost over for most people and I am thankful for that. But, wanted to share while I’m in the “winter mode”. 🙂
Thank you for you and thank you for sharing your time with me.
Love, Jenn
Time With Jenn 