Even though February was the shortest month of the year, sometimes it seemed like the longest.
J.D. Robb
February is the last full month of winter. It's also the shortest month of the year, at 28 days, but sometimes it becomes 29 days because of Leap Year. It's often described as the month of love because of Valentine's Day. It's kind of hard to define February. I guess it's the bridge to spring.
Recently I was reading a magazine article about tried and true techniques for managing stress. We're hearing a lot about stress these days, and how stress over an extended time period can lead to anxiety, other physical symptoms, and even depression.
It occurred to me that the techniques described in the article are the sorts of things we’ve always done to fill the often long, cold, lonely days of winter. No one ever told us we were relieving our stress levels at the same time; we just enjoyed them and found them comforting, and a good way to pass the time.
One of the techniques was reading a good book. Who hasn't loved curling up in a favourite chair with a fascinating story?
Knitting may conjure up an image of an elderly woman in a rocking-chair working on a pair of slippers or an afghan, but today this activity is gaining popularity with people of all ages and genders. I have a grandson-in-law who loves to knit toques and mittens. It can slow your breathing and lower your heart rate. Many knitters listen to music while they are wielding their needles and yarn.
Music has been recognized to help people improve their mental health and well-being. Playing music can activate the parts of your brain that affect memory, emotions, movement, and sensation. I know a couple of people who get up and dance to a favourite tune, even when they are by themselves!
Of course, there are benefits to be gained by going for a walk on a snowy, wintry day. There's gain in immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of a natural environment, be it a wooded area or a city park. Take a few deep breaths and focus on what your senses are perceiving, whether it's the freshness of the clean air or the sound of birdsong. You'll want to be dressed appropriately for sure.
These activities all have a positive effect on your physical and mental health, and they greatly improve your quality of life. Your problems and concerns and boredom won't magically disappear, but including these — techniques? pleasures? — will definitely help you deal with them more effectively.
I was reading in the Ashcroft Journal about Clinton's Family Winter Carnival, which was set to take place on Feb. 1 in Reg Conn Park, so by the time you read this it will have come and gone. The family-oriented event, sponsored by Cynders, was intended for families and featured food, winter games, prizes, information booths, and much more. Thank you, Cynders. I hope this fun-filled day was well-attended and successful.
The next regular meeting of the Clinton Seniors’ Association will be on Thursday, Feb. 20 following lunch at the Clinton Seniors Centre (217 Smith Avenue).
Plans are underway for the Daffodil Tea on March 12, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Clinton Memorial Hall. Join the Clinton Seniors’ Association for Strawberry Shortcake and an opportunity to buy potted daffodils for $6. You may pre-order flowers by calling Gloria at (604) 813-1752.
Happy February birthday greetings to Isabel Haining (Feb. 27) and Diane Lacharite (Feb. 28).
It matters not how long we live, but how.
Phillip James Baily
