At this time of year its easy to feel down. The daylight hours are short, and its probably still dark when you get up and go to work, and when you leave work to come home as well. In the UK this year its been a wet and windy winter so far. Whenever you try and go for a walk outside often the weather sends you back indoors only a few minutes later.
The holiday season is over, and many people will be facing the Christmas bills coming through the door, and the winter utility bills. Most people feel a bit short of cash, and it can feel like winter is going to drag on for ages still because we have the rest of January and February to go.
If you have problems in general in life it may be easier to feel overwhelmed at this time of year, and the lack of sunlight can be shown to have a negative effect on those who suffer from depression and seasonal affective disorder.
So how can we cheer ourselves up? First, a few practical things:
- Spend some time with people you love
- Indulge in humor – watch a funny TV program, or read a cartoon book, or find some jokes on the internet
- Cook yourself some warming stews and casseroles, a bit of comfort food
- Make the most of rainy or cold afternoons by curling up with a good book or film
Next, a few spiritual things:
- Don’t forget to say your prayers and remember that you have a Father in heaven who is always there to listen
- Count your blessings – try and focus on all the good things you have in life – food to eat, shelter from the weather, clothes to keep warm, and central heating if you are lucky enough to have it
- Try and do something nice for someone else – it may make you forget about yourself for a while
- Remember that all things come from God – even the rain and the wind have a purpose, and before too long spring will be on the way
- Find some comforting Bible passages and try and read them every day to remind you of the comfort you have in your faith
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls . For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11 : 28-30)
