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She’s Got It Together Podcast!
Hey everyone, it’s Jess here ready to dive into the oh-so-fun topic of winter blues…as a MOM. Forget the Norman Rockwell vision of joyfully frolicking in the snow – for many of us, this season is more like a never-ending slog of gray skies, sick kids, and pajamas that have seen better days.
As my sister Sam pointed out, a lot of the classic “winter blues” symptoms (feeling sad, low energy, changes in appetite) can feel like just another Tuesday in the throes of motherhood. It’s hard to pinpoint where the seasonal funk ends and the general exhaustion begins. But one thing’s for sure – when you’re already stretched thin, those dark and dreary months can really do a number on your mental health.
For me, having a history of depression makes me especially vulnerable to hiding away and disconnecting during winter. It’s so tempting to retreat into a Netflix binge (my current poison is SWAT – six seasons deep and counting!) but I know that only makes things worse in the long run. The less I engage with the outside world, the harder it is to find my way back.
Sam hit the nail on the head when she said getting out of the house, even for a quick errand, can make a world of difference. Bonus points if the sun happens to be shining! There’s just something about fresh air and natural light that instantly lifts the spirits. But as a mom of a toddler, even a Target run requires mission-level planning. The struggle to muster up the energy is REAL.
That’s why I’m a big fan of at-home pick-me-ups too. Organizing a cluttered pantry, trying a new recipe, even (gasp) putting on real clothes instead of leggings – it all helps break up the monotony. And when the laundry pile is threatening to eat me alive, sometimes blasting a throwback playlist and dance-cleaning is the only way through.
Of course, the real MVPs are the people who force you out of hibernation mode. Whether it’s my husband gently suggesting a family game night or a girlfriend texting for an impromptu cocktail meet-up, those social connections are crucial. It’s so easy to convince yourself that hiding under the covers is the only option, but isolation only breeds more isolation.
And let’s not forget the power of a change in scenery! I’m counting down the days until our Florida trip next month. Nothing like trading snow for sand to hit the reset button. But even a quick getaway to an indoor waterpark or local arcade can do the trick. The key is breaking up the neverending loop of school-work-dinner-bedtime.
At the end of the day, surviving winter as a mom is all about knowing your triggers and having a toolbox of coping strategies. Maybe it’s scheduling regular Zoom dates with long-distance besties. Maybe it’s finding a local moms group for stroller walks around the mall. Maybe it’s embracing those cozy vibes with ALL the Netflix (no judgment here). The important thing is to keep swimming – even if some days it’s more of a doggy paddle.
And if you find yourself slipping deeper into despair, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Motherhood is hard enough without battling seasonal affective disorder on top of it all. You are NOT alone and you deserve to feel supported.
Here’s to more sunshine, literally and figuratively. We got this, mamas!
Jess
