by: Aine Schulmire
I want to say, first of all, that I am not a doctor. The suggestions I’m
going offer are not a replacement for medication for those who are clinically
ill with depression. I just want to suggest some simple solutions for chasing
those winter blues, caused by the chill in the air, away.
First of all, be sure to say your prayers. This is our way of communicating
with our Father in Heaven. Persistent, meaningful prayers will open up the
channel of communication, lifting you up out of the gloom. As the scriptures
tell us, "Pray always, that you may come off conqueror." (Doctrine &
Covenants 10:5.)
Of course, following prayers comes read your scriptures! I love this quote
from President Kimball. "I find that when I get casual in my relationships with
divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice
is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the
distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more
intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and
loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel." (The Teachings of
Spencer W. Kimball, pg. 135)
What does that have to do with shaking the winter blues? How many of us sit
at home on a particularly gloomy day and say that no one cares? That no one
listens to us? And yet, there is someone waiting for us to open the channels to
Him and feel his presence. How can we possibly be unhappy when feeling the
Savior’s love?
However, friends can be very helpful in relieving a heavy heart. Ideally, our
family should be our closest friends and confidants. In today’s age of spread
out families, this isn’t always possible. Visiting teachers, Relief Society
members, and others whom you associate with can be of assistance to help buoy
you up. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them.
Inspiring music is always a good way to uplift the heart. The scriptures tell
us in D&C 25:12’ "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song
of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing
upon their heads." Singing good music, or listening to it, can send depressive,
debilitating thoughts running.
Make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep, if you can. Too much sleep
can leave you feeling tired, groggy, and guilty that much time has been left
with little accomplishment. Too little sleep will leave you foggy, irritable,
and searching for stimulates to help you "get through" the day. Most adults need
6 to 8 hours of sleep a night. With babies it is hard, but make it a goal.
Proper nutrition will also help brighten your winter days. Did you know that
diets high in sugar & fat have a tendency to promote depression? This is a
wicked cycle, because as people experience the depression, they have a tendency
to turn more towards harmful stimulants and drugs, as well as more fats & sugars
– thus promoting more of the same depression. It is a hard cycle to break, but
can be broken with support from family & from your Heavenly Father. The side
benefit from proper nutrition is not only clarity of thought and a happier
outlook, but a healthier body as well.
Now this is not a call to join a health club, but exercise is a good blue
chaser too! Low-impact aerobic activity stimulates the brain to release
endorphins. These endorphins are natural chemicals in the body that can reduce
pain (women have use of them in natural childbirth!), reduce depression, and
provide a sense of peace. You can do aerobics in your home, walk outdoors (in
the South), or walk in place indoors with arm movements to increase your
intensity. Some people like to join health clubs or the YMCA to take advantage
of indoor pools and equipment. Whatever fits your lifestyle and budget, exercise
can be very helpful in keeping good spirits about you.
As you feel more energy from taking care of your body, surprise your family!
My girls let out audible gasps as THEIR MOM hopped onto a sled earlier this
season and slid down a snowy slope! Talk about a chasing the blues away! I was
walking so high on air I don’t think the blues could have reached me! Turn off
the TV and do something fun with them. Play a board game. Teach your children a
skill you have, whether it’s sewing, quilting, cooking, reading, etc. The time
you spend with them will leave you with a sense of accomplishment. "A woman
whose life is involved in the righteous rearing of her children has a better
chance of keeping up her spirits than the woman whose total concern is centered
in her own personal problems." (President Ezra Taft Benson, "Do Not Despair",
Ensign, Oct. 1986)
Of course, there are those without children in their homes. Do not discount
your new sense of well being! Grab a spouse, friend, or co-worker. Find ways to
give of yourself with all of your abundant energy. With your mind clear, you
will surprise yourself with all the things you can come up with to serve others
– and they’ll be surprised right back! . "When you find yourselves a little
gloomy," said President Lorenzo Snow, "look around you and find somebody that is
in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is,
then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the
first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord
is upon you, and everything seems illuminated." (In Conference Report, 6 Apr.
1899, pp. 2–3.)
Lastly, set a short-term goal. This is nice, because you can see immediate
results and have that sense of accomplishment. Long range ones are good to do as
well but can seem overwhelming, especially if you are trying to lift yourself
up. Pick something simple to do, like spending a few minutes everyday reading a
book on the shelf you have been meaning to get to. As you see the bookmark
getting further and further in the book, you’ll begin to realize that it wasn’t
all that hard. You could do this with sewing, cooking, just about anything. The
important thing to remember is that the elephant is not eaten all at once, but
one bite at a time.
It is wonderful to be a member of the Church and to have so many resources at
our fingertips. We have the counsel of the scriptures, our modern prophets, and
our Father in Heaven through prayer to help guide in times that we need it most.
I hope your winter days are all the bright colors of the rainbow, even maybe a
brighter shade of blue.
