I dread winter – even living in southern California. Oh, I know my situation has changed dramatically since moving from the harshness of the season in the upper Midwest, yet I still hate being cold.

How I wish I could return to the love of winter I felt as a youngster. I’d eagerly anticipate its arrival mostly because I loved ice skating on the outdoor rink created on a nearby park’s frozen football field. I’d love when fresh snow fell and the world seemed subdued, quieter, more unhurried somehow. As a child, when we drove a long distance in the car, my father always gave my sister, brother and I a blanket to snuggle under. Those things were heaven on earth when I was in grammar school.

Now when the skies turn gray and the temperatures dip, I feel everything becomes too slow and too burdensome. I don’t want rise in the morning, to free myself from the cozy cocoon under my electric blanket to launch myself into my cold bedroom. On some days, it takes all the strength I can muster to get dressed. Even here in California, I suffer with the winter blues – a general lack of motivation and direction. And I start to envy those bears that hibernate all winter.

You feel it, also, don’t you? So many of you have shared similar feelings how the dreary, chilly weather gets you down.  Trying some new things – and some older things – have helped me become more proactive when the winter blues attempt to pull me down.

Here’s a few fun ideas to put a smile back on your face despite the bone-chilling cold:

• Select your favorite song, turn the stereo up and dance!
• Go to youtube, download a new workout app and get your blood pumping a little faster.
• Read an inspirational book.
• Dust off your journal and spend some time each day writing about pleasant memories that bring you joy.
• Take a hot shower and loudly sing your favorite worship song. Who cares if the neighbors can hear you?
• Snuggle up to a fireplace. If you don’t have one in your home, you can find them in some restaurants, libraries and hotels.
• Do something kind to someone else – especially if you know someone whose heart is still broken over a recent loss.
• Visit your favorite museum or art gallery.
• Plan your next vacation. Research the destination online or through travel books from your local library.
• Try a new recipe. If you like it, share it with your friends.
• Visit an indoor conservatory and marvel at the landscape under glass.
• Make yourself a cup of hot chocolate – don’t spare the whipped cream. Then call a friend you haven’t connected with in a long time.

This is not an exhaustive list by any means. If you go to God in prayer, He has ideas perfectly suited to you and your personality. If you spend some time with Him this week, I’m sure He’ll whisper several suggestions into your ear. Remember Psalm 34:17 tell us: “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.”

 Did you hear that – all their troubles? Yes, that includes those nasty winter blues!