The Long Hard Winter | Slow Living Vlog

This is the first time that I have recorded a fully outdoor video during the winter. One of the main reasons that I have not done so up until this point is because it is typically quite cold. In fact, the times when it's the sunniest are often the times when we have the harshest temperatures. So I was very fortunate to have such beautiful weather this day, although I must admit that after over two hours spent filming outside that my fingers and toes definitely started going numb. This winter has been difficult. Like many others, I deal with seasonal depression. While there are definitely ways to curb these feelings and emotions, sometimes it just comes down to slogging through each day, waiting for spring to arrive. I catch glimpses of spring. I hear the birds chirping more, the sun starts getting up a little earlier than before, and ice forms, indicating that there is a melting process going on that I just don't see. But it's still a struggle. During these early months of the year, there's a great number of people who lose hope. And while I don't necessarily want to talk about grim, sad realities like that on this channel, I think that it's foolish to just bury our heads in the sand and pretend that it doesn't happen. And with all the other current events going on in the world, I am sure there are more and more people who are feeling discouraged and depressed every day. Which is why, more than ever, we need to connect with those we love. Whether that's through calling them up just to see how they're doing, sending them a text message making sure that they know that you love them, and that you're a listening ear for them if they ever need, or even writing a letter to just put a smile on their face when they get it in the mail. There are so many things that we can do to let people know that we care about them and their well-being. I think that so often I tend to get tunnel-visioned on my own feelings and emotions, and forget that others might be struggling in the same way. Which is why it is important to reach out to each other. You can form community, compassion, and camaraderie. You can encourage one another. When you're doing well, you can lift those up around you who aren't doing well. And then when you're not doing well, others can lift you up and support you. If you are feeling discouraged or even depressed during this season, please reach out to someone you love and trust. Confide in them and let them know how you are truly feeling. Then, try to do things that will boost your mood. Sit in the sunshine, letting the sun rays hit your skin and warm you. Eat healthy foods and move your body. Go outdoors if the weather permits. Do something you really enjoy. Work on a hobby. Clean up your home. Stay well hydrated and take a long shower if that's something that relaxes you and uplifts your spirits. I often find the urge to be stagnant when I am feeling discouraged, but that typically makes things worse. Find something that you enjoy doing and immerse yourself in it. And again, make sure to check in with others to see how they're doing. As mentioned earlier, I do find this time of year very difficult. But even having spent the time outside to record this video brought me a little more rejuvenation. I hope this video helped bring you some peace and joy and has motivated you to go do something you enjoy. Spring is around the corner. The rebirth of nature is almost here. Look forward to the hope that warmer days are coming and that nature will once again awake from its long winter slumber.