Winter Blues.... What to Do?

I too am a mommy of a 2 year old, none on the way, but I suffer from CFS, so it's always a struggle to keep my energy levels up. I have the opposite problem in Texas, it's too warm, we don't experience that seasonal shift in the fall (I'm a NorthEasterner) so I feel very imbalanced in the winter months because it isn't cold enough and snowy and you don't see that transition so obviously. I feel cheated and sad....literally, probably sounds weird, but I do.

We had a couple weeks of bitter cold, freezing temps (which I LOVE at least for part of the year) and now it's been back to 70-80 degree temps and sun already, like summer. Again, no seasonal shift, just sudden and it really messes with me.

Anyway, for me, cold or hot-I have to make myself get out of the house. Bundle up and take a walk even, anything. Go to a zoo, or park, or garden, whatever is available for good, cheap family fun. Walk around, get fresh air. We go for a family bikeride every weekend, warm or cold-it's great for the mind and body. I organize too, take a box or whatever that needs to be cleaned out and watch a favorite movie while going through it and eliminating some junk. I find that when I prioritize and keep the house clean and organized as possible, make sure that I make time for exercise, be it dancing around the house with kiddo or actually going for a walk or to the gym-my mind stays more clear.

Work on new stuff for baby, nest, fold little clothes, whatever you need to do in preparation. Even coloring with the kiddo helps sometimes. Open up all the curtains or shades and let light in, take 10 minutes and deep breathe, find a great book to dive into. All things that help. Winter will be over soon and your new little addition will be there to brighten things up! Best of luck to you!

Have you taken you kid to all the cool stuff in St. Louis? City Museum, Stienberg rink, Hidden Valley, the zoo (yes even in the winter), Sceince Center, The Magic House, or The Mills mall. Is there a YMCA or Community Center close by with a pool?

Take this time to clean up shop! Go through every corner and crevice of the house and de-clutter. Tackle one room at a time, pace yourself, and put your 2 year old to work. You'll both feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you step back and take a look at what you've done! Redecorate one room (or work on the nursery) as a reward for all your hard work. Nothing makes me feel better than relaxing in a nice, clean, uncluttered house... plus, this is a great opportunity to start teaching your toddler to help out; you'll need all the help you can get once that baby comes :) Put some music on and have fun with it!

How about getting a hotle for the night with your 2 year old? Just to get out of the house. Let him swim and be in a diffrent enviornment. Go out to eat or MAYBE even a movie if there are kid friendly ones out? At least you get out of your own house and can sit and relax while your child runs around. Maybe a hotel attached to a mall?

Vitamin D and natural sunshine. Make sure you get lots of vitamin D either from food or a supplement and I know at this time of year it can be hard to get it but natural sunshine is the best. Even sitting by a window when the sun is pouring in. What about getting creative with your little one and having a summer craft day? Pump some summer songs and get into your shots and t-shirts and make some summer pictures and such. Exercise also helps alot.
Good Luck and congrats on the new little one

Vitamin D will help a lot with this! You doctor can test you to see how low you are in it...which odds are you are low without any sunshine