February Is the Worst Month—But We Can Get Through It
February has a way of draining my spirit. Football is over, leaving a void where excitement once lived. There are six months until it’s back. The weather is cold, the sky an unrelenting shade of gray, and the sun feels like a distant memory. Even the tiny things—like the solar-powered lights outside my house—remind me of winter’s grip. They’re supposed to brighten as I trigger the motion sensors walking by. At 6:30 this morning, they barely flickered. There wasn’t enough sun yesterday to charge them.
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I woke up not wanting to get out of bed. I had to force myself. After my walk, I didn’t want to leave the shower. It was warm and comforting, a brief escape from the chill in the air. But eventually, I had to step out, and when I got dressed, I realized something: gray sweater, gray jeans. My clothes match the drab color of the sky. Why are all of my winter clothes so drab? Why does everything in February feel so lifeless? The inky sky, the freezing wind, the dull routine of it all—it wears on me. It wears on a lot of us.
But here’s the thing: February is also the shortest month. It may feel endless, but it isn’t. We have to push through.
Finding the Light in February’s Darkness
It’s easy to sink into the season's gloom, but we don’t have to surrender to it. Small shifts can make a difference:
* Seek Color—Whether it’s wearing something bright, buying fresh flowers, or switching up home decor, a little vibrancy can break the monotony. No wonder people start craving spring colors this time of year—our eyes and minds need something fresh and lively.
* Get Moving—Even if it’s cold, a short walk outside or some movement indoors can help you shake off that heavy feeling. The hardest part is getting started, but once you do, your body responds with energy you didn’t think you had. I didn’t want to walk this morning. The gloom almost held me back, but I’m glad I did.
* Find Little Joys – A new book, a favorite show, a hot drink—anything that sparks a bit of warmth in the day. Even lighting a candle or playing your favorite music can shift the atmosphere in your home.
* Plan Something—A trip, a dinner with friends, or even a fun weekend activity can give you something to look forward to. The anticipation of something good—big or small—can be a lifeline in the February haze.
Spring Is Coming
Right now, it may not feel like it, but brighter days are ahead. Soon, the sun will linger a little longer, the cold will ease, and the gray will break. Until then, we power through, one day at a time. Ugh… but we will.
How do you fight the February blues? Let’s share ideas and push through together.
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