Leaving Darker Days Behind

This year, the Winter Solstice, – aka the shortest day of the year – falls on December 21st.

Yes, I realize it's not actually the shortest day, it simply has the least amount of daylight. Sunrise will be at 7:04 a.m. and the sun will set at 5:34 p.m.

Trying to look on the bright side, I tell myself that the days will start to get longer after that. 

Still, I'm not big on winter. Cold weather, snow and cabin fever are not appealing to me.

Recently, I read something that suggested we are out of touch with our natural selves. After all, bears hibernate during the winter, why shouldn't we? It suggested we embrace the slow days and long nights by reading books, cozying up to the fireplace and binge watching our favorite movies and TV shows.

I've been casting about for things that will help me cope with what is now referred to as seasonal affective disorder. Here's what I've come up with:

1. A Zen Workspace: Fortunately, my home office is already the warmest room in the house, so that helps. I added a desk lamp that I shine over my notebook while I'm working. I added a little flair to it (see photo) to lift my spirits. I also have a calendar that features lively pastel artwork. (What can I say, it makes me happy.) Also, I listen to music while I work. Andreas Vollenweider is a go-to. And I like Dizzy Dulcimer. Coworkers have suggested brown noise on YouTube, but sometimes it just rubs me the wrong way. To each his own.
2. Exercise: I've already been doing this just about every weekday morning and most Saturdays. After feeding the cat, I head to the basement to fling my limbs hither and yon in the hopes of burning off a calorie or two. When I'm finished, I feel better, like I've accomplished something. I'm pretty sure if I tried to do this later in the day, it wouldn't work because I'd talk myself out of it.
3. Me Time, Breakfast Edition: Call me a Luddite, but I still enjoy reading the newspaper in the morning. I peruse the New York Times newsletter and the actual Plain Dealer (fish-wrap though it may be.) I especially enjoy reading the comics and doing the word puzzles, like the Jumble and the ScrabbleGram. Okay, you can call me a word nerd, too,
4. Organization: Planning and organization have never been my strong suits. But Mr. Ginley's influence has resulted in my designing a spreadsheet where I keep track of my work and the status of each task. I also keep a checklist in front of me that reminds me of the steps I need to follow to finish each job.
5. Me Time, Coffee Break Edition: At some point in the morning, I'll come to a good stopping point and go make another cup of coffee or grab a snack. The trip downstairs, staring out the window for a bit and petting the cat help me recharge the batteries.
6. Me Time, Post Work Edition: Between wrapping up work and starting dinner, I try to take a breather. Read a little or chat with Mr. Ginley. Given that I no longer have the drive home to unwind, I need a break between my roles as worker bee and cook.
7. Bath Time: Once a week – usually Saturday or Sunday evening – I soak in the tub. I light a candle, pour in some bubble bath and close the bathroom door on the world. I don't always succeed in keeping troubles at bay, but it's always a nice try.
8. Food Prep: Alas, I'm not one of those folks who enjoys cooking. I do it out of necessity. My goal is to do a better job of it. I have a folder full of recipes, and over the next few months, I hope to unearth some new recipes to add what is becoming a very tired repertoire. 
9. Jigsaw Puzzles: Our basement, living room and other assorted rooms are home to several boxes of jigsaw puzzles. My goal is to do them and give them away. There is one roadblock – the libraries have started giving them out with the request that you bring the back when you're done. So I'm not making as much headway on my own puzzles as I'd like. Still, I find the jigsaws stimulate my brain cells in a different way.
10. Mindless TV: We don't have cable, but we do pick up a lot of DVDs from the library. And yes, I realize I'll get sick of watching Hallmark movies one of these days. But I'm enjoying them in the meantime. There's something to be said for formulaic plots and happy endings. I'm not turning a blind eye to what's going on in the world, I'm just stepping away from the calamity I can't control.
11. Moments: Every now and then I stop myself and take stock. Am I feeling reasonably well today? Yes. Is there a roof over my head and food on my table? Yes. Are my son and daughter-in-law doing okay? Yes. Do I have someone who would take care of me if I'd fallen and couldn't get up? Yes. Well, then, it's time to send up a little "thank you" to whomever might be listening. I may not be a world traveller, a movie star or a big lottery winner. But right now, I'm okay.

And, soon enough, the days will begin to get longer.