Well, I’ve got the post-Christmas blues again (wahWAHwahwah) (<— that was a blues riff). Does anyone have a cure for them? I think a vacation in a warm, sunny place would do the trick, but alas, that’s not in the cards (or budget) this year.
Hmmm…I’m off this week and working out every day is a good way to feel virtuous, will that help? Plus the gym will be packed next week…for about a month!
Nice riff!
You know, it’s sunny and not too cold today - a walk would be an excellent idea. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are always good for body and soul.
And, thanks. 
Yep, fresh air and sunlight. Also, soup. There was a January issue of Martha Stewart Living several years ago that had a collection of recipes for soup and crackers and spreads that went well together. The article had pictures of happy people wearing turtlenecks and drinking mugs of tea in their sunny, houseplant-filled living room. That’s always stuck with me as the best possible way to approach January and February.
Light a cigarette and promise it will be better next time.
Skating, skiing (downhill or cross-country) or tobogganing are my first recommendations. It doesn’t have to get as expensive as Norquay or Lake Louise - I seem to remember there’s some great skiing in Kannanaskis, for example. There are some great outdoor rinks in Calgary as well. A bottle of white wine in the backpack, and you’re away!
As much good sex as you can make time for?
The last 2 years I have woken up the day after Christmas with a gnarly sore throat and a nasty cold.
While I don’t recommend this method, it does take your mind of of other things.
Cheer Up!
I had been experiencing PCLD earlier this week, too. What cured me: going out for some great sushi with a friend and his daughter.
There’s always New Year’s - usually I do nothing for it and feel kind of let down, but today I made myself call an old friend and ask what he was doing for New Year’s Eve. So maybe I have somewhere to go!
I went for not one, but TWO walks today - that really did help. I made a nice supper, too - saffron rice with chicken (but not with saffron - I substituted turmeric). We’re also talking about a little vacation in January or February - thinking about going off to Radium Hot Springs for a weekend of soaking in hot pools in the mountains.
I figured out this Christmas that I really don’t like saffron, so good on you for the substitution.
I was thinking about the fact that I’m not feeling any post-Christmas letdown this year. I think it’s because over the last couple of years, I’ve become the person responsible for most of the family Christmas preparations. Baking and decorating and cleaning and hosting and cooking for guests is mostly on me, this on top of a full time job. All that is fine–I’m Mrs. Cleaver at heart–but last year I did it with strep throat and this year I did it at 7 months pregnant. Both years it’s been so bone-crushingly exhausting for me that I’m really, really, really happy when it’s all over and I can just sit down.
I just realized that next year, I’ll have a nine month old and could potentially be pregnant again. Arrrrrgghhhhh.
Dole out some grub in a soup kitchen. It’s a nice thing to do and will make you feel instantly better about your life.
Take the day off from your troubles, much better for you than an expensive spa visit!
Just decide to not put the yoke of worries, on this mornings. Just let them lie, for a day, they’ll be there tomorrow, the world will not end. Spend your day making one of those dream life collage boards, where you cut out photos from mags and stuff, of things you’d love to have in your life. But then, I kind of love crafts.
It’s a fun exercise, and not just because of the paste and scissors. It gives you pause to reflect on what you really want, what you have but under appreciate, what you could reach for, etc. It won’t bring resolution for any of life’s great troubles, but it will shake up, not just what you’re thinking about, but how you’re thinking. And it’s kind of fun, disguised as sorting through old magazines!
Holiday. We’ve just booked one to give us something to look forward to: Sicily, in about six weeks. Actually better than going straight away, because we’re both exhausted, and also the anticipation makes the blues-lifting properties last through more of the winter darkness.
I told myself to expect them
Somehow, if you expect them (the blues) they are less significant when they arrive.
I actually just want things to get back to routine.
You’re doing so many good things–fresh air, sunshine, a few new recipes. Keep it up and throw in some time with friends.
Been there. I wear my new argyle sox (get some every year), drink good liquor, walk in the snow, watch some great movies.