Winterblues

between “Black Friday” and “Blue Monday”

Almost late November, in full autumn, rain, wind and short days without sun. Sad, homesick we look back to better times.

 

Corona

Until February 2020, the word “corona” made me think of the daytime running lights on new cars. It is almost always an LED light, often in creative shapes around the edges of the headlight unit. For others, “corona” was more likely to mean some kind of beer, or an insurance company, but certainly not the pathology we learned about afterwards.

All our memories from 2020 will become permanently linked to this corona era. Closure of the hospitality industry, hoarding behaviour at first notice of possible lockdown, very strict measures at first lockdown in March and April, closed borders within Europe, closure of schools, curfews, closure of non-essential shops in second lockdown, etc….

Unseen, never thought this could happen to us.

Melancholy

Dreary days, low daylight and cold temperatures. From “Black Friday” to “Blue Monday” (third Monday of January). During the winter months, many people develop seasonal depression. This can lead to melancholic feelings and even depression. December is not only “the dark month” but also the last month of the year. The end of the year. Melancholy is looking back sadly at the past or at an unfulfilled desire.

 

I recently read the essay “Melancholy of restlessness”, written by Joke J. Hermsen, available click here to buy at BOL 

In this essay, Joke J. Hermsen explores with thinkers such as Hannah Arendt, Ernst Bloch and Lou Andreas-Salomé when man still has enough power, decisiveness and hope to step over loss and seek a new relationship to the world and himself.

A clear and smoothly written essay, published in 2017, but certainly very interesting in these times, where corona lockdown contributes even more to negative melancholy. We need social connection and cultural activities, but now we can only maintain our social contacts digitally.

 

Light at the end of the tunnel.

Slowly there is more hope for a future back to normal. The virus will eventually be overcome, although it will take some time.

 

A very simple small aid to experience a bit more light during these dark winter days: especially possible now that we work from home a lot

• Light therapy
  The Beurer TL45 daylight lamp simulates daylight with a light intensity of about 10,000 lux.
  Because the Beurer TL45 is adjustable in 3 intensities/colours, you can use it at different times of the day. In the morning (6,5000K) to wake up and combat symptoms of light deprivation. During the day (5,000K) to work focused and in the evening (3,000K) to unwind.

• Device suitable for: Alertness, Anti winter blues, Energy boost, Mood enhancement, Against fatigue, Feeling rested

 

A second aid is a nice flower or houseplant in your living room or home office, which brightens up your interior and gives you more positive ideas.

Take a look at the shop on this website: Annies Shop