We now find ourselves on day six of the snowy, deep freeze, and have you noticed a change in those around you?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maybe the nerves are a little frayed, and the fuses are just a tad shorter – so what can you do about it?\u00a0<\/p>\n
A blizzard of bad feelings amid Pittsburgh’s snowstorm<\/p>\n
The first step is to recognize that there is an issue and something needs to be done, because here’s the reality: we are just not wired to be put in a deep freeze like a piece of meat in a Ziploc bag.<\/p>\n
“These cold and snowy days can really mess with our chemistry, and really set us off to be irritable, cranky, feel a little bit on the mildly depressed side, even if we weren’t feeling down before,” explained James Shamlin, the clinical director of the Cranberry Psychological Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shamlin said that perhaps you’ve noticed that change in yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We can notice that we’re being very edgy, negative, and complaining a lot,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If we don’t see it in ourselves, those nearest can. He said those around you can act as a mirror to show that we’re out of sorts and cranky.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How can I stay active during Pittsburgh’s cold weather?\u00a0<\/p>\n
With this deep freeze sticking around for the foreseeable future, Shamlin’s advice is simple: get moving.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Physical activity really does increase the chemistry in the brain, so it’s really important,” he said. “Even if we’re stuck at home, get that exercise.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shamlin said you don’t even need a home gym to get that exercise or relief; you can just use what’s in your home.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Something like running the steps in our house, if we’re stuck at home,” he said. “Getting out, getting some fresh air, even taking a mile or half-mile walk, even when it’s bitterly cold, it’s just so important to do because physical activity reminds us that we’re not hibernating and instead, we’re very much alive.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
What if I want to just stay home until the cold leaves Pittsburgh?<\/p>\n
He also added that you should avoid doom-scrolling and instead escape into the book you’ve been putting off, or reach out to someone who is also isolated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If all else fails? Throw it back to childhood, and go make a snowman or snow angel, and take pictures to share with family and friends.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Try to enjoy yourself as much as [you] possibly can, instead of just reminding ourselves how the weather is getting us down,” Shamlin said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When it comes to food, he said, while there’s nothing wrong with sugar and carbs, they’re still best in moderation because they can have a negative effect on your mood, not to mention leaving you feeling guilty.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, while the temptation to just curl up in bed and never leave, Shamlin said that for a little while, it’s OK, but returning to routines is more important.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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