Scene In Detroit: Biting Winter Blues In The Butt

By Amelia Kanan, CBSDetroit Blogger
I've only been back in the mitten for two months, yet I am already feeling the symptoms of winter blues creeping in.

It's nothing serious but my mouth has become a bit chattier from all the nervous energy and I'm finding myself zoning out into my computer screen browsing for shoes, purses and clothes that I don't need to buy. Last night, I had a strange craving for chicken pot pie, which typically makes me think of nursing home food and repulses me.

That was my last straw before I realized how badly I needed to shake it up. I'm biting back at the blues by organizing my basement that has 30 years worth of crap piled in the corners.

This can be a tough time of year for some, but take advantage of this season rather then let it take advantage of you.

We all destress in different ways -- some  people need activity to feel their blood pump and others work so hard day-to-day that it's the stillness and quiet that they crave. Since the blues can strike busy bees and not-so-busy bodies alike, the best way to battle it is by shaking up the routine. 

Are you always on the go? Why not force yourself to stay home and soak up some quality low key time? If you're a man, pamper yourself like us women. It can be our little secret and chances are you'll feel so good that you'll have to tell someone all about it.

Do you really hate skiing? How do you know? The last time you went was when you were 17 and hopefully a lot has changed since then. And, if you hate it again, then you'll know for sure and you'll have something new to tell your coworkers on Monday.

I've made a list (you know I love them) on ways to burst out of that winter bubble:

Take a Class: I just began a hip hop class and although it's taken my dance confidence level down a titch (it's ok, I was a little too cocky), it's been refreshing, funny and a way for me to meet new people.Whether you have a seed of knowledge or zero idea things like cooking, knitting, boxing, art, writing, fitness class, self-defense, pottery, wood making, piano, swimming and Spanish are all things that can spice up your life. 

Get Crafty: Sites like CraftGawker and Pinterest have opened a floodgate to the world of DIY projects/crafts/ideas, drowning even the crafticapped with dreams of creativity.

Be Entertained: Sure, it's nice to go to the place where everybody knows your name on Saturday night but guess what? They'll all be there next Saturday night too so take in a play, movie, comedy, or concert. Keep in mind that big name productions can sometimes outshine the smaller scale ones.You might be surprised by how enriching the intimacy can be of a more quaint live performance. Plus, they're usually much cheaper!

Organize: Obsessively image googling things like "DIY Organize Paper" and "Ideas Home Organize" is what seduced me into organizing the basement. There are fun and simple ideas out there to inspirationally motivate you to clean up your ways. Plus, it makes you feel ridiculously productive without having to leave the house.

Yoga: I can't live without it. The stretching, breathing, sweating and focus keeps me sane and confident. Studios usually offer the first week free, so why not try it if you never have?

Play Dress Up: Whether it's to have a night on the town or having a nice little dinner party in the coziness of your own home, it's amazing what a shower, primping and wearing your finest will do to your spirit. Heck, you don't even need a reason! Special secret of the day: When I have a day in the rut, I dress up in my favorite dress, heels and all, and listen to songs that make me happy while I wash dishes...maybe that's not for everyone, though.

Try A New Cuisine: "Where do you want to go" "Oh, I don't care." "Do you just want to order pizza?" NOOOO! Don't do it! Turn off the TV, get out of your jam jams (it's only 5 pm) and try the new Thai place that just opened up just a few blocks away.

Get Pizza: Haha I tricked you. Seriously, this is for the people who are the opposite of sweat pant Suzie. Chill out, put your fleece pants on, flip on the tube and holler at the local pizza joint down the street to come bring you some eats.

Experiment: Everyone has something they've always wanted to try.

Treat Yourself: Give yourself a manicure, linger longer than normal in the shower just to enjoy the warmth, ladies: put some make-up on, get a massage, guys: get an old school barber shop shave . Soak up some goodness for your soul.

Go OUTSIDE!: I know it's cold. It's icy. The wind is annoyingly biting. However, if you venture out onto a trail where you can hike, Cross Country Skiing, or snowshoe you'll keep yourself warm. Even if it's not fun and you're angry, chances are you'll laugh through the misery. Afterwards, the warmth of your home, the mindless TV show you love, the delicious dinner or the snifter of brandy will be the sweetest reward.

If none of this inspires you and you're not signed up already, check out the deals page at CBSDetroit.com, or sites like LivingSocial or Groupon. These sites offer incredible deals for all sorts of things like memberships, dinners, classes, gifts, activities, procedures, theatre tickets, salon specials, massages, etc.

Shake it up, Detroit!

Amelia Kanan is a freelance writer/photographer and a returning native of Detroit. A graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, she wrote for an Emmy nominated sketch comedy show and pursued her passion for documentary filmmaking in Los Angeles. An incomplete list of her loves: books, human rights, improv, the smell of new shoes, talking to strangers, libraries, France, yoga, furniture, music, sociology and pushing the limits.