If you're feeling sluggish or "blah" this time of year, you are certainly not alone. Millions of people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) every year. SAD usually clears up on its own as soon as the weather warms up again and we spend a bit more time in the sunshine, but some common tricks to alleviate the winter blues include exercise, light therapy and cutting back on caffeine, sugar and alcohol. While we definitely agree with the experts, we have a few more suggestions to add to that list. Here are seven ideas to break those nasty wintertime blues:
1. Bask: All right, so Wisconsin isn't known for sizzling temps during the winter months but us "Sconnies" have a few tricks up our sweatshirt sleeves when it comes to taking in some Vitamin D. When Old Man Winter comes a knockin', we bolt to Wilderness Resort's Wild WaterDome Indoor Park. It's a 70,000-square-foot indoor waterpark featuring a see-through roof that shines natural light over the entire park and actually allows guests to tan year-round. Take that, Florida.
2. Create. Art is good for the soul. Even if your last artistic masterpiece was a paint-by-number, kick it up a notch and give some new art forms a try. Grab a friend and roll up your sleeves at places like Hands On Art Studio in Fish Creek or Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point.
3. Laugh. "A day without laughter is a day wasted." We couldn't agree more, Charlie Chaplin. When you're feelin' blue, a few hours of hearty belly laughs can be the best medicine. Consider taking in a comedy show at the Armory in Janesville, Skyline Comedy Cafe in Appleton or the Comedy Club on State in Madison.
4. Relax. With the constant juggling of school, work, friends and family, it's easy to get caught up in the fast lane. Slow things down a bit and enjoy a luxurious day of pampering at one of Wisconsin's many nationally-recognized spas such as Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Aspira in Elkhart Lake or Dayspring Health Spa in Wausau.
5. Learn. Engaging in meaningful activities is a surefire way to foster happiness. So fuel that brain power and discover something new. Sports buffs: Take a stadium tour at Lambeau Field and check out the Hall of Fame Museum in Green Bay. History buffs will love all 11 Wisconsin Historic Sites scattered throughout the state. And there are Wisconsin museums on just about every topic, including the arts, war history, yo-yos, mustard and accordions. (Read more about those on our blog, The Bobber.)
6. Hydrate. It may be easy to forget about the importance of hydration during the winter but ... don't. Dehydration can actually occur just as easily in the winter. Drinking enough H2O will help better control your blood pressure, lubricate your joints and keep your skin healthy. If you're not loving the idea of drinking cold water when it's -100 outside, give hot herbal tea a try.
7. Volunteer. Whether it's your time, money or skills you donate, giving back has proven to improve folks' mental state and overall happiness. Look into Wisconsin organizations like Angel On My Shoulder, which supports cancer survivors and their family members, or Occupy Madison Inc., which builds Tiny Houses in the Madison area to help end homelessness.
Keep your chin up. Spring is right around the corner ...
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
1. Bask: All right, so Wisconsin isn't known for sizzling temps during the winter months but us "Sconnies" have a few tricks up our sweatshirt sleeves when it comes to taking in some Vitamin D. When Old Man Winter comes a knockin', we bolt to Wilderness Resort's Wild WaterDome Indoor Park. It's a 70,000-square-foot indoor waterpark featuring a see-through roof that shines natural light over the entire park and actually allows guests to tan year-round. Take that, Florida.
2. Create. Art is good for the soul. Even if your last artistic masterpiece was a paint-by-number, kick it up a notch and give some new art forms a try. Grab a friend and roll up your sleeves at places like Hands On Art Studio in Fish Creek or Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point.
3. Laugh. "A day without laughter is a day wasted." We couldn't agree more, Charlie Chaplin. When you're feelin' blue, a few hours of hearty belly laughs can be the best medicine. Consider taking in a comedy show at the Armory in Janesville, Skyline Comedy Cafe in Appleton or the Comedy Club on State in Madison.
4. Relax. With the constant juggling of school, work, friends and family, it's easy to get caught up in the fast lane. Slow things down a bit and enjoy a luxurious day of pampering at one of Wisconsin's many nationally-recognized spas such as Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Aspira in Elkhart Lake or Dayspring Health Spa in Wausau.
5. Learn. Engaging in meaningful activities is a surefire way to foster happiness. So fuel that brain power and discover something new. Sports buffs: Take a stadium tour at Lambeau Field and check out the Hall of Fame Museum in Green Bay. History buffs will love all 11 Wisconsin Historic Sites scattered throughout the state. And there are Wisconsin museums on just about every topic, including the arts, war history, yo-yos, mustard and accordions. (Read more about those on our blog, The Bobber.)
6. Hydrate. It may be easy to forget about the importance of hydration during the winter but ... don't. Dehydration can actually occur just as easily in the winter. Drinking enough H2O will help better control your blood pressure, lubricate your joints and keep your skin healthy. If you're not loving the idea of drinking cold water when it's -100 outside, give hot herbal tea a try.
7. Volunteer. Whether it's your time, money or skills you donate, giving back has proven to improve folks' mental state and overall happiness. Look into Wisconsin organizations like Angel On My Shoulder, which supports cancer survivors and their family members, or Occupy Madison Inc., which builds Tiny Houses in the Madison area to help end homelessness.
Keep your chin up. Spring is right around the corner ...
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.