Oh, the cold is driving me bonkers.

Ok, so don’t laugh.  I know I live in Florida, the land of Sunshine and Sunny Days.  But here in the NE section, we get some cold spells this time of year and this year, we have gotten several.  I count myself fortunate to live here knowing that we do not have long winters and it will not be long before another warm spell comes along and the kids can play outside again.  

I have a whole new respect for you Northern girls.  How do you do it??  How do you get through the winter months, particularly if you are a mom suffering from a PPMD (postpartum mood disorder) and the gray, cold days just bring you down?  What can you do to get through it?  

I’ll list some tips off the top of my head.  I know some are difficult to do, especially when depressed, but I strongly encourage you to take the steps necessary to do them.  It will be worth it. 

And please comment if you have further tips!  I would love for us all to share some.

• MOPS or other similar Moms Clubs are great resources this time of year.  Some meet weekly, every other week, once a month.  Visit www.mops.org to find one in your area, or check local parenting publications and churches.
• If you are located near an indoor mall, most open at 8am or 9am for mall walkers.  Grab that stroller and WALK.  The exercise is great, the elderly population who mall-walk are so sweet smiling at the baby(ies), and you can top it off by letting older children (if you have any) play at the indoor playground (if available).  Ours has a Chick-Fil-A that is open that early as well.  
• Following up on the above point, check out StrollerStrides.  You can search for classes in your area where you can take your baby and your stroller and workout!  They also feature an information page on PPD.  They get five stars alone in my book just for that.
• Call a friend, arrange a playdate.  Even if your babies are infants, take care of them while chatting over coffee or tea.  We women need each other.  Just pick up the phone and call.  You never know when the other mom is desperately waiting for her own phone to ring.
• Think forward to the sunshine coming.  I know its hard in the moment, but it will come.  
• My grocery store has a floral section, I hope yours does as well.  Bring spring early to your house by buying some fresh flowers for your table or bedroom or fireplace mantle.  Fresh flowers always do the heart good.  (Except when they make me sneeze.  :)  )
• Join a women’s small group Bible study.  If your church does not offer one, find a local church who does.  Most do not mind and even welcome anyone to come in and join.  If it is a morning Bible study, childcare is usually offered.
• Any other suggestions?

Self-care & Healing