Cabin Fever
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That time of year.
The scene out the front door - dull, snowy and bitterly cold. (EXIF data f5.6, 1/160s, ISO200, 28mm)
We’ve had a really unusual winter this year with it being unseasonably warm and not a lot of snow. I have to be honest and admit that I do like the snow - not so much for driving, but definitely for walking, skiing and photography. However, usually about this time of year I’m getting tired of the snow and the cold - we usually have a long stretch of frigid temperatures where it just hurts to go out in it, so we tend to hibernate a bit during this time as the dreaded cabin fever sets in.
By this time I’m looking forward to wearing fewer layers and getting outside for evening barbecues and gardening well into the late hours of the day. I think that Calgarians (as most people) are fond of complaining about the weather that we are currently experiencing rather than enjoying the fact that we do get four seasons (sometimes all in one day!).
I just googled and found that January 24 is identified as the most depressing day of the year - yikes! Imagine being tagged with that moniker. I suppose that the long days and cold weather plays a part in this and I too have fallen into the trap of letting the weather and lack of light affect my moods. Just think though - we’ve already passed the most depressing day of the year so things are only going to get better!
Why do I let external factors affect me so much?
This got me to thinking (I know you’re all shocked to read this), but why do I let external factors like the weather (which I have absolutely no control over) have such an effect on my mood and state of mind. When I’m feeling very grounded and solid, I know that the only thing that I have the ability to control is my response to external factors - I get to choose how I face these external challenges or opportunities. It’s ironic that I know each year there will be winter and long dark days for an extended period of time - and yet I still hit this time of year with a bit of a surprised response - what is with that?
I have just finished reading a book which really speaks to being present and responding to the now - I think that I spend too much time focused on anticipating the future (summer days and fun evenings outside) and not fully appreciating the present moment (cozy warm days spent inside) doing things that I don’t have time for in the summer.
“Be at least as interested in what goes on inside you as what happens outside. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place.” (The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle)
To me this really means that when I have a feeling of contentment with what is happening right now - inside me (as that is the only part I can control) then what happens outside of me will align with that contented feelings of calm and harmony.
Frost covered image of a pine cone. (EXIF data f9, 1/600s, 120mm, ISO1000, +0.3EV)
Put more simply - I can face a dull day with defeatist state of mind - another dull day! Or I can face it with the opportunities and potential that it presents - OOOOOH! a jammy day of relaxation, a day for curling up with a good book, or the soft light box of nature making for amazing macro photography opportunities - let’s bundle up and get out there! That may be a bit over the top.
However, just the way I frame things based upon my internal state of mind helps to align me with a more uplifted external state - and that approach is quite contagious.
I admit that I often do face the day with it full of opportunities and I’m grateful that I have the time and ability to make the choices to spend my time the way that I do. The times that I don’t - I try to pause and reflect on what is going on inside that is affecting the way I am viewing my world at the moment.
Taking the opportunity to bundle up and head out with my camera (even just to the back yard) can yield some special moments that fill me with joy and contentment.
More than anything I think that it is being open to these opportunities and not letting them pass by.
Ways of getting into the Zone of Presence
Sometimes it is difficult to keep myself rooted in the now and being fully present, however I find that it’s the little things that really help me out - following my daily routine is a great way to ground myself. That means starting out with my gratitude journal which only takes me about 5 minutes, but really sets my mind on a path of gratefulness and positivity. Then I do my heated eye mask which just feels good before I get out of bed and start my day with a healthy breakfast and a shower. It’s amazing how following this simple routine sets me up for a positive mindset and regardless of what is happening in the world outside (weather, political or social) I feel ready to face it all with a better attitude.
The glow from a spectacular sunrise paints the landscape shades of yellow, orange and pink. (EXIF data f18, 1/60s, ISO800, 200mm)
On the occasions when I skip my morning routine for any reason (a bad night, overly tired or any number of other excuses) I can find that it’s particularly difficult to be present and have a positive outlook. It is amazing how easy it is to slide into worrying about the future - will we have a good summer this year, or lamenting about the past - why can’t we have as much snow as last year? For these occasions I stop and recenter myself by taking some deep grounding breaths - just a few minutes of deep breathing can really make a big difference in how I view my internal world.
Lately I have been really working on getting back to my routines which includes getting out for photography walks and exploring my surrounding area. I’ve really enjoyed getting out this year as everything is new during this year of firsts - seeing what waterbodies freeze over and where the snow lies as well as the frost and mist that we occasionally get. I enjoy rambling and witnessing all of these natural events - as well as figuring out where the sun rises and sets - how the light plays across the landscape - so much to be grateful for being able to be part of.
There are even some occasions when I just go with the flow and let myself be a bit down for a while, but I don’t find this a very effective way of spending my day - usually if I go down this route I make sure that I spend some time journaling to understand what is driving my mood. Wallowing in depressed feelings has never led me to a better place and the longer I spend there the more of an effort it takes to make my way back out. I am not denying these feelings or moods, but I try to make conscious decisions about how long to indulge in them. I much prefer to get in a positive groove and continue to do things that support that mental attitude.
The Seemingly Long Season of Winter
One thing that I have reflected on is how quickly time seems to be passing the older I get and maybe it is this perspective that is playing a major role in my mental attitude, however I don’t want to miss anything and I want to make sure that I’m living my best life. A good positive attitude seems to help me maximize my contentment and gratitude certainly helps me to feel loving towards those important in my life as well as myself.
Do you suffer from the winter doldrums? Cabin fever? or SAD? What measures do you take to help minimize the effects of this time of year - I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or drop me a message directly by clicking on the Connect With Me button.
Sometimes this time of year beauty is found when you just slow down and let it happen. (EXIF f10, 1/400s, 105mm, ISO160, +.67EV)
I hope you’ll come back soon, share a cuppa, relax and enjoy more of my musings.
