Winter Doldrums
February 2, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
March was the first month in the calendar of the ancient Romans and it makes sense to me that the Romans, originally an agricultural people, would being the year in the spring, when new things are growing and there’s all that new energy of new green things. As it’s February 2nd (”Groundhog Day” here in the US) we’ve one more month to go to get to March and longer, warming days. Charlie, as I noted yesterday, has been in “up and down mode,” learning new skills and trying new things, and struggling more to contain his anxiety. We have been teaching him to ask for a break to resettle himself, but this strategy has not been as effective. Even when I’ve asked Charlie if he would like a break—while practicing the piano—he has been answering in the negative, as if he preferred to forge on.
It’s been a fairly mild winter here with minimal snow; it’s been cold, but never so much that we can’t go out for a walk. Still, something about the winter—generally being cooped up more indoors, fewer chances for exercise, having to load on a coat and gloves, less daylight—has often been hard on Charlie; as I look back over previous years, January and February have often been tough months, when “behaviors” go up and there seems to be more, and sometimes too much, to struggle through.
No wonder that Charlie has been watching this video of him swimming in the ocean and riding his bike. “Mom, Mom,” he called to me last night and I sat down beside him. Charlie clicked the mouse and then we were there, at the beach, with the waves going in and out before us, and Charlie going in and under. His eyes were bright and his face shone: Whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not, nothing like the memory of waves to soothe the winter doldrums.
We’re starting the countdown the days till it’s back to the beach.
Photo courtesy of ckirkman via Flickr
This week has been one of much anxiety in our house. I don’t know what happened. Bubba’s ears are burning read by afternoon and it’s all we can do to help him through to bedtime. Now the little one is starting and boyohboyohboy. I can’t wait until warmer weather!!!!
Doldrums is right. Eleanor is also grouchy and uptight and not her usual self. Actually so are big Sis and Dad.
It’s gooshy and cold and clammy and we are not able to get out as much for jumps on the tramp or long bike rides. Gotta get those ya-yas out.
Winter gloomies are real, not only for my friends
with autism, but for all humans. Some ideas below were on a short daily podcast last week on http://FAQautism.com. For your buddy, Charlie, I’d add the idea of videoing some of his outdoor WINTER activities for him to enjoy on a hot summer day.
BUSTING WINTER GLOOMIES
Many of us are prone to slugishness and low energy in the winter months because of the short days and cold weather. Parents of two sons diagnosed with autism said, “Last week I noticed both boys were less responsive than usual, and this week I notice that the whole family seems drained of energy and purpose – including me!” Kids and adults can bust the gloomies by staying active and purposefully planning fun, enriching activities every single day.
+ Enjoy some hot chocolate with miniature marshmallows. For a different taste, stir in a bit of cinnamon. Warm chai tea or warm apple cider are possible substitutes for people who are lactose intolerant. Show kids how to warm their hands on the side of the cup.
+ If you are fortunate enough to have snow, bundle up everybody up and make a snowman together. Make a family of snow angels. And throw snowballs at a tree.
+ Make snow ice cream with some fresh snow, some powdered sugar, and a drop of peppermint flavoring.
+ If you don’t have snow, cut some snowflakes out of white or blue paper. Sprinkle the flakes with silver glitter and hang from all the doorways inside your home so you can walk in a winter wonderland without getting your toes cold!
+ No matter the weather, get outside frequently. Remember that walking around outside and exposure to natural light – even in cloudy weather – boosts moods better than staying inside all the time.
+ Take a drive in the country and sing winter songs: “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” “Over the River and Through the Woods,” “Frosty the Snowman.” P.S. The quality of the singing is irrelevant – rowdy singing is preferred.
+ One thing that is guaranteed to bust the winter gloomies is to reach out a helping hand to other people. As a family, gather up outgrown coats, sweaters, socks, mittens, and other warm clothing and take them to an agency that provides services to needy children. Or volunteer to help in a soup kitchen on a cold winter evening.
I can relate all too well. It’s been a challenging week here as well. A week that indicates we must do something different. Figuring out what to do differently is the difficult part.
We’ve also noticed in an increase of behavioral issues in January and February, a cold dark period here in New England. The past three years have been pretty consistent in this regard. It’s been a period in which school placements have failed and my wife and I have struggled figuring out how to help.
Not quite as cold and dark here in New Jersey but we’ve already had one challenging behavior here to start our Sunday—-it was at piano. It passed quickly, partially because the teacher knows what he’s doing and I’m working very hard on Staying Calm.
I’ve never been quite sure how to address this; mostly try to keep Charlie physically active, lower demands, think a lot about summer.
oh that Charlie and his beloved water! i wish i could bring summer sooner so he could ride those waves.
Not sure if it would help Charlie, but my son has a endless looping “ocean waves” DVD that I purchased from large bedroom/bathroom box store…it shows large ocean waves crashing gently and repeatedly on the shore and is soothing for him when he has a water craving. He does like videos that feature him swimming in the water as well!