Tips for Those Gray Seattle Days

While the last few weeks have had their fair share of share of sunny days, the fog that has been sweeping through my side of Seattle has been reminding me of those gray, gray days that we often get here in Seattle. And how it sometimes affects my moods. Especially when they occur in the months of January and February.

I realize that for some people, seasonal depression is very much a chemical imbalance. For others, it just seems to be a mild, yet hated part of the winter. And although the weather forecast for the next week calls for partly cloudy days (i.e. some sun!), I often find that having a plan to keep myself from going crazy ahead of time is my best method of defense.

Here are some of my ideas for improving the moods of us all—including the kids!

• Get out of the house! One of the wonderful things about Seattle is that our temperatures are pretty temperate in the wintertime. And even if it is often wet, there is usually some part of the day when the rains stops and you could go on a walk or visit a park.
• Exercise. Even a work out video in your front room does wonders.
• Eat better. Experts say that we crave junk food more in the winter because carbs often raise the levels of serotonin in in the brain. A better way to increase serotonin is to eat complex carbs (like rice and pasta) or simple carbs (like fruits and fruit juices). It's healthier and will provide a better peak in moods than junk food.
• Wake up earlier and open your blinds as soon as you get up. Irregular sleep patterns add to depression.
• Join a museum. There are some wonderful children's museums around Seattle that have events during the week—crafts for the kids, story times, and other fun things that could help keep your children occupied. Buying a season or yearly pass is often the best way to get the most for your money.
• Go on a hike. While you can't usually go on a hike in the mountain, there are plenty of hikes closer by that you can go on if you bundle up.
• Invite a friend over. And don't feel guilty about letting the kids go off and play while the two of you spend some time catching up. Sometimes a friendly face is the best medicine for lifting your spirits.
• If you can't go outside, go shopping! At the very least, you'll be moving around, and the kids might enjoy the mall play place, if there is one.
• Find a new project to work on in the house. Paint a room, start a quilt, organize a closet.
  

I'll work on covering some some of the specifics of these ideas in the coming months!