Kentucky by Heart: We all fight the ‘winter doldrums’ at times; Kyians share their tips to lift their spirits

It’s the time of dreary weather, with cold temperatures, sometimes difficult traveling conditions, and a “stay in” mentality. And because of it, we all are prone to an intrusive condition, commonly called “winter doldrums.”

I’m not talking about the much more serious medical condition, seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I’ll leave that to medical experts and not make light of it. Rather, I mean the common uneasiness — the “downcast” feeling — experienced because of the items mentioned in the first sentence.

(Sketch contributed by Suzanne Isaacs)

I sometimes fight the doldrums, too, and with at least some success. Here are a few strategies I use to stay more “perked up” during this season.

First, knowing from my research that the lack of light contributes to the doldrums, I do what I can to mitigate the issue. The sun rises with a good view at our kitchen table, so I park myself there often while I read. Even a small amount of sun helps. I love working in the yard, so when it gets warm enough and even a smidgeon of sunniness appears, I slip outside for a few minutes of reprieve and pick up fallen branches, trim dead plantings, or do other quick snatches of activity. It gives me a quick burst of energy as I inhale the brisk air; I gather a small sense of productivity. And, the practice cuts down on some of the later early springtime yard work.

Walking almost always boosts my mood, in part because I know it is a healthy activity. Sometimes, I bundle up in warm clothing and walk around the neighborhood. That, or I drive to the local recreation center and walk inside around an oval track. Fortunately, the upstairs track there has a large window, allowing for sunlight to shine through on one side, at least. For extra walking motivation, I wear a pedometer and try daily to accumulate at least seven thousand steps.

Doing creative, or “newish” things help me, too. I’m learning the Spanish language, or at least, how to read it. It taxes my mind and generates a practical skill I can use. My wife and I recently took a day trip to Warsaw, Kentucky, to eat at a recommended restaurant called Jewells on Main. We met new people, saw new terrain, and enjoyed the “new” food. Upbeat time, indeed—no doldrums on this day, and more trips are planned.

I try to use the winter season to connect with old friends. Phone calls, messages, and even visits are usually win-win, hopefully, good for the recipients and good for my mood, too. Sometimes we forget how important those interactions are.

Some fellow Kentuckians told me about how THEY handle the threat of potential winter blues. “Plant or have bulb flowers inside for a bit of spring,” suggested Stephanie Brown, of Webster County. “Look at gardening catalogs to dream of flowers and gardens to be planted in the spring.”

Rita Setness (Photo provided)

I mentioned that walking works for me, and others agreed about it in their lives. Rae King, of Lakeside Park, said: “A walk on a cold day is amazing. It’s usually pretty quiet, you warm up for ten minutes or so, and your body and mind feel great when you are done. Then hit the library for a stack of books.” For Rita Setness, Nicholasville, “walking with a purpose helps me beat the winter doldrums.” She started out for reasons of personal health and set goals. In time, she started collecting pledges for her miles and now gives the money she gathers to a group called International Rescue Committee, buying “newborn kits.” She concluded by saying: “It gets me out on dreary days when I would say ‘the heck with it’ if left up to me alone.”

Jill Snyder, of Wilmore, offered a service endeavor that summons a deep passion of hers—helping victims of sex trafficking. It’s called the “Refuge for Women Give Back Project,” where backpacks for the homeless are put together—a gesture to help others by a group that is BEING helped. She characterized it as “a key piece for the women and helps transition their mindsets from being victims to helpers.” If interested in helping and/or learning more about Refugeforwomen.org, email Jill at jill.snyder@refugeforwomen.org.

Lexington resident and Green Bay Packer fan Steve Schmoker suggested that we should simply embrace the winter weather for getting in a good mood. “Go skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, or snow tubing,” he said. “Build a snowman or a snow fort. Have a snowball fight. Make snow angels. Of course, these mostly depend on having enough snow.”

Steve Flairty is a teacher, public speaker and an author of seven books: a biography of Kentucky Afield host Tim Farmer and six in the Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes series, including a kids’ version. Steve’s “Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes #5,” was released in 2019. Steve is a senior correspondent for Kentucky Monthly, a weekly NKyTribune columnist and a former member of the Kentucky Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. Contact him at sflairty2001@yahoo.com or visit his Facebook page, “Kentucky in Common: Word Sketches in Tribute.” (Steve’s photo by Ernie Stamper)