60 Days Till Spring. Beating the Winter Blues in Montana

Winter in Montana can be a beautiful and majestic time of year, but it can also be a time of long nights, cold temperatures, and feelings of isolation. It seems to kick in right about now... after we've made it through the artificial glow of Christmas (and a half-hearted "hurrah" for the New Year).

Spring is two months away (March 19th this year) and for the next 60 days the "winter blues" can be a real issue for many people, including this author. Experts say there are ways to beat the winter blues.

Try to stay active.

One way to beat the winter blues is to stay active. Going for a hike or a brisk walk can be a great way to get some exercise, fresh air, and a dose of vitamin D. You don't have to go far. Even a simple walk around your neighborhood or a short drive to a nearby public

A visit to your local Fishing Access Site can help lift your spirits. Most of them are accessible year-round, although they're probably not plowed. Four-wheel drive is recommended. If you're not a fan of the cold, you can still stay active by going to a gym or taking a yoga class.

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Connect with people.

Another way to beat the winter blues is to stay connected with friends and family. Whether it's a phone call, text, or video chat, staying in touch with the people you care about can help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

You can also join a group or club that interests you and meet new people with similar hobbies and interests. I usually reach out to friends and family more frequently this time of year.

Can't jet off to the beach? Try this instead.

Many Montanans book trips to somewhere warm in January, February, and March to help fight the winter blues. It's amazing what a week on the beach can do for the soul, right? But travel is expensive, and if a trip to the beach is out of the question, do this at a minimum to get through the final months of winter.

• Get enough sleep.
• Eat well.
• Manage stress.

I've found red light therapy (aka infrared treatment) to be quite beneficial and there are no harmful UV rays from the lights. Most tanning salons in Billing offer red light therapy booths, and the benefits are well-researched.

Booze doesn't help.

I feel like I'm writing this sentence to remind myself, but drinking to cope with winter depression simply doesn't work. Everyone knows that alcohol is a depressant and the only way booze could make winter slightly less depressing is if it were being poured into my mouth on a beach.

NOTE: Depression - seasonal or otherwise - is no joke. If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts please call or text 988. Someone is standing by to help, right now.