On 'Blue Monday,’ here are some ways to beat the winter doldrums
Whether it’s going for a hike or just stepping outdoors for some fresh air, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is encouraging people to get outside to avoid the 'Blue Monday' feeling.
“Going outside is one of those ways to, if not curb some of those seasonal affective disorder feelings, it’s a way to at least interrupt them for a moment and breathe in some fresh air,” said Jensen Edwards, national media relations manager for the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
“By going outside and interacting with nature, you are departing from the stresses of day-to-day work, you’re also breathing in fresh air and seeing things beyond the confines of your own home.”
Local experts in the north told CTV News northerners often feel the effects of winter, and adapting to it is key to getting through the dark and cold days.
“When we’re in denial about it, we’re not going to adapt to it, so adapting is absolutely necessary,” said Natalie Lebel a registered psychotherapist and owner of Being Human: Psychotherapy and Consulting Services.
For those who don’t want to embrace the outdoors, Lebel said there are ways to avoid feeling depressed and anxious while staying inside.
“Doing things like crafts, knitting, organizing, because this is historically a time when we are supposed to be inside,” she said.
“Try to find things indoors that are going to keep you in the present.”
The Nature Conservancy of Canada said that since the pandemic began in March 2020, close to 40 per cent more people said they are spending more time outdoors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.