Doom and Gloom.

Now that spring has finally decided to grace us with its presence doesn't mean that things are all sunshine and rainbows. True to the 'April showers bring May flowers' sentiments, I find that the doom and gloom of winter tends to seep right into the early weeks of spring. Grey, cold, wet days seem to affect more than just the commute to work.  So how do you beat the dreary feeling of gloom brought on by overcast skies and chilly breezes?

1.      Read.

It's been a long winter and the school year is wrapping up. Find a book you've been putting off because you've had too many academic articles to read, term papers to write, and finals to study for. It's amazing how relaxing this can be. Getting a chance to delve into a different world for pure entertainment is a great way to forget about the weather outside. Tip: Snuggle up with a cozy blanket and a warm beverage. Nothing better than feeling completely comfortable inside while you hear the rain hitting your window.

 

2.    DIY.

Has there been a project you've wanted to do? Maybe you've seen some interesting experiments or DIYs while surfing the internet. Now is the time to do them. Focus your energy onto something more than just Netflix and the internet. Be creative!  Look for things that you can make/ design that would liven up a space. At the end of your project you've learned how to create something nifty from simple items at home and the sense of accomplishment is one of the best to feel.

 

3.    Exercise.

Just because it's raining outside doesn't mean that you can't have a great workout inside. Now that all the major family dinner holidays are over, taking a couple minutes to an hour to focus on your health and wellbeing will definitely improve your mood. Although the murkiness of the outdoors tends to influence the laziness in people, spend the time you would on the couch doing a simple workout routine. There are tons of apps that can help you work up a sweat, even some that take only 7 minutes! And once you're all sweaty and drained, take a nice warm shower. Refreshing and invigorating.

 

4.   Go Out.

I know, I know, sometimes it's a real drag to go out when the weather is working against you but trust me when I say that after long periods of sunless days, your skin is itching to feel the outside air, even if it is bone chilling and gross. Get dressed up, make a date with your significant other or a bunch of friends and hit up a pub or go watch a movie, or grab dinner, pretty much anything to get you away from moping around at home. Plus there's always something amazing about the 'coming-home' feeling after a long night.

Even though the good days of spring seem like they'll never show up, just stay positive. Eventually patio season will arrive and with that comes summer. But in the mean time, the doom and gloom can only get you down if you let it, so fight back!