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
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.