We are entering the time of year that some of us
find hard to bear–and that is late winter.
The sparkle of the holidays end; family members go
back to their cross-country locales, and so begins,
for those of us in the colder parts of the country,
the longest, starkest part of the year. Add a
serious illness to that image, and it is no wonder
that those afflicted, and their caregivers, feel
especially overwhelmed and let down.
But even when caring for a loved one,
there are things you can do to brighten long days.
The following are simple ideas you can try, even if
you are not feeling very energetic, to remind
yourself that there is life and regeneration all
around us.
Coax Spring
Prepare a little windowsill garden of
fragrant herbs. Or, cut a few prunings of your
favorite foliage. A low-maintenance, mini-greenhouse
project can result in new growth that’s ready for
summer planting.
Sunshine in a Box
Light boxes have been used for the
treatment of various mood conditions like
depression, seasonal affect disorder, even jet lag.
Though they tend to be expensive – ranging from $150
to $500 – experts recommend them for the treatment
of the winter blahs. If you’re unable to
travel to a warmer climate to break up the winter
months, this might be an option. Be sure to
consult your doctor and research the variety of
products before buying.
Spring via Aromatherapy
Instead of the common ‘comfort’
scents such as cinnamon, apple pie and vanilla, why
not infuse the air with the smells of summertime?
Coconut, citrus, lilac, cucumber and melon can
remind us of the beach or backyard. (I’m still
waiting for a candle that smells like grass
clippings.)
Our Feathered Friends
Install a bird feeder or hang suet
balls from a tree or similar spot, preferably near a
window that you can see out easily. The most basic
“suet” ball is a pinecone slathered in peanut butter
and rolled in birdseed. Before long, the winter
birds will congregate and entertain with their
lively spirit and cheerful song. Note: Invest
in that squirrel-proof feeder – the birds will thank
you with their frequent presence.
Another option is to change your view
of winter altogether. Living in colder regions of
the country is to be blessed with a dramatic change
of seasons; and when you decide to, you can find
beauty in the soft snowflakes, bare branches on a
canvas of white, or the good fortune of a cozy house
on a winter’s evening. You can begin to see
how this seasonal cycle parallels your own
experience, and how this quiet, barren period is
promise of an exuberant springtime.
Jennifer Cleveland is a Patient Navigator for the
American Cancer Society-Ohio Division. She has been
providing resources, information and support to
cancer survivors, their families and caregivers
since 2001.
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