Productive Hibernation. It doesn’t seem like those two words would go together. But for me, they do. For about fifteen years, I’ve noticed that I suffer from January Blues. I can’t really blame that on extreme cold or extreme weather since I am in sometimes balmy Louisiana. Nevertheless, I do tend to hibernate. I find that is the best way to face my blues.
With my blues, I want to be at home with a blanket and hot tea when I am not working. Since I’m a teacher, my days are full, so I’m not talking about many hours to hibernate. I avoid outside commitments for one month–meetings, events, gatherings can wait. I surround myself with books and research, my cats, healthy snacks, and good movies.
Yet, this January is the first time I have practiced productive hibernation. I have a HUGE deadline on January 31. When writing, authors work solo. What better way to hibernate! When its cold outside, I write. When there’s a meeting, I write. When I’m fighting the blues, I write.
I think I’m going to make January of every year a productive one–without the overwhelming deadline though. I must say this year I’ve had fun hiding away in my house in comfy socks and my writing pad.
Do you suffer from January blues? What do you do to make it through?
Oh, I almost forgot. The early flowers blooming in my yard inspire me and promise me that spring in arriving soon. This year I might even miss my hibernation.
In january I try to make a list of some not fun but necessary items to accomplish. This january I am able to truly hibernate being off work for a month to be home with my newborn baby. Each week I have accomplished a couple of house jobs like repairs and services. I’ve spent most of the time taking care my son and doing creative activities like puzzles painting and sewing. My flowers are still in bloom here in new orleans. We have not had a freeze so much front yard still has lots of color and butterflies!