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 Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services. (kahorowitz@gmail.com) www.kathyhorowitz.com. |
| It’s usually at this time of year that I begin to feel the subtle change in seasons. The sky appears higher and more expansive, while daylight hours begin to wane ever so slightly. Some people are prone to SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which appears during that time. Depression, trouble sleeping, and eating extra carbohydrates are all symptoms. However, it is most important to get enough sleep, exercise, and daylight. While some people might sit in front of a light box for x amount of hours, here are a few ideas that can also help ward off the winter blues. Take a walk. Sunlight and vitamin D are your best defense. If you work, make time in the morning before heading to the office. If time doesn’t allow, try to do so during lunch. On the weekends visit your favorite spot, whether it’s the beach or a particular park or trail. If weather doesn’t allow, go to the mall and walk while window-shopping. Being among the “mall walkers” always cheers me up. Learn a new hobby/lesson. This summer, Sunken Meadow Park’s boardwalk hosted line dancing and a barbecue on Thursday nights. My partner and I often walk there and watch as men, women, and children dance in unison to country music. This winter, he and I plan to take lessons so that by next summer we’ll be sporting our dancing boots too. If you love books, try joining a writer’s group or book club. It’s always comforting to be among like-minded people. Tackle a project that’s been on hold. One of my goals is to clean out the garage, something I’d never do in the summer. Another, is to organize books and papers that are strewn all over my office and living space. What better time to cull through items that can either be thrown away, organized, or better yet, given to a particular charity. I often pass along books and DVDs to friends knowing they’ll be appreciated. Paying it forward is good karma. Visit friends and family. More and more families are separated by distance. My sons live in two different states. Make plans to visit during the winter, especially if they live in warm weather states. A vacation and a visit is a win-win plan. As my partner often says, “here’s the good news”: winter will come and, before long, spring will arrive. Try to get yourself out there to help combat those seasonal blues. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 