One of the great things about living in an urban area like downtown Arlington, VA is that you don’t have to shovel out your car to get out of the house – there are a lot of options in walking distance. The area is home to tons of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you work remotely, like I do, there are also a number of co-working spaces for when the coffee shops are fresh out of outlets. There are a number of ways to beat the winter blues in Arlington and elsewhere. There are even a few ways to feel better about the dreary weather without even leaving the comfort of your house (although you will probably want to get out for fresh air at some point. It’s amazing what a little natural light can do). Finding ways to cope is especially necessary if you happen to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Here are a few tips for when the days are short, gray, and chilly:
Talk it out: Therapy has been proven effective for those suffering from SAD or seasonal depression. It could even work better than light therapy.Exercise: I feel like exercise is the answer to a lot of things. Getting the blood pumping can send endorphins to your brain and working out vigorously 3-4 times a week can do wonders for mild depression.Be social: Even if you’re a natural introvert, I’m sure you have those friends who make you feel better when you’re around them. Make plans with those people and remember what it’s like to have fun.Cultivate ‘koselig’: Koselig is a Norwegian word meaning ‘a state of being warm, kind and cozy.’ Embrace all of the things that are wonderful about being in out of the cold. Keep warm blankets around, sip hot tea, light some candles or a fire if you have a fireplace.
Now that you’ve read some of our tips, here are some ways that entrepreneurs make it through the winter months and fight the urge to hibernate until spring. Peter Allegretti, CEO of Dumbstruck barely even notices the seasonal change because he’s too busy being passionately involved in his company. Other entrepreneurs, such as Kristin Marquet founder of the tech lifestyle startup TheLABDaily.com chooses to vacation in the winter to give herself a break from the daily grind. You might be able to take a vacation per say, but if you have the flexibility to work remotely you can migrate to somewhere warmer. Zachary Weiner, CEO of Emerging Insider also migrates for the winter. Or if you’re lucky enough, maybe you work for a company like Under30Experiences, and have the ability to move your whole team south for the winter. If moving closer to the Equator for three months isn’t within your means, another way to shake a grouchy winter mood is to blast some tunes with happy, sunny video accompaniment of places you’d rather be. Short days and grey sky can be one of the biggest winter challenges to those who thrive on sunlight. This is where light therapy can be a big mental and emotional boost. Amanda Rose, Founder and CEO of Dating Boutique likes to start the day off in a zen-like state and then hightail it out of the house. Leave a comment and let us know your favorite ways to beat the winter blues. Tech.Co has partnered with Arlington Economic Development to bring you news and stories from the Arlington tech and startup region.
