January’s short, cold days, combined with the post-holiday blues, can make it the most depressing month of the year.
Having a coping toolbox — a collection of skills and techniques you can rely on when those feelings arise — can be incredibly helpful in supporting you through these tricky times, according to psychologist Diandra Lewis, a registered psychologist in Calgary.
“The potential benefits of coping tools include a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression. Practicing self-compassion is also important, as research shows it can reduce the length of depressive episodes,” says Lewis.
So, here’s some suggestions of gifts you can give yourself to put in your coping toolbox so the only blues you experience are the blue skies of Calgary.
The gift of creativity
Fulfill your New Year’s resolution to tap into your creative side at an animation class with Quickdraw Animation Society. The folks behind the Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival (GIRAF) offer adult courses, along with access to equipment and facilities for members to experiment and create. The Animation Fundamentals class, which runs from January 28 to April 22, is perfect for beginners — no previous animation knowledge or advanced drawing skills are required. Find more details at quickdrawanimation.ca.
Not ready to commit to a full class? Try something more casual, such as the Chinatown Clay Club, brought to you by the Good Neighbour initiative (goodneighbourcalgary.com). The club offers drop-in events every Wednesday where you can take on self-directed projects with the help of an experienced instructor. Admission starts at $15. For and additional $10 you can also get 2 lbs of clay.
Cold Garden’s Crafty Mondays guided craft sessions have included everything from making birdhouses and lanterns to pint painting and gnome decorating. Tickets range from $20 to $50, and your admission covers all the craft supplies — and a beverage, too! (coldgarden.ca)
The gift of connecting in the outdoors
Instead of Netflix and chill, think cross-country and vent. Talking things out with your partner or friends can deepen relationships and strengthen social bonds, which helps increase resilience. Pair the centuries-old practice of venting with an outdoor activity such as cross-country skiing. There are plenty of cross-country ski trails maintained by the City of Calgary to choose from. These groomed trails and spaces are perfect for getting out there and enjoying the outdoors. If you don’t own the equipment, you can rent it for the day from the UCalgary Outdoor Centre (outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/gear-rentals) or Sports Rent (sportsrent.ca/cross-country-ski-rental).
City of Calgary Cross-Country Ski Trails: calgary.ca/parks/activities/cross-country-skiing.html
The gift of coziness and culture
On a chilly day, grab a coffee and treat yourself to a delicious Mexican concha — a pillowy pastry with a sweet, crunchy top, perfect for dunking in your coffee — at the new Frida’s Café at 1110 9 Ave. S.W. Then swing by Contemporary Calgary for the duo exhibition Efflorescence/The Way We Wake, featuring Marigold Santos and Rajni Perera. The show includes paintings, sculptures, and a collaborative piece that explores themes of selfhood and transformation. While you’re there, be sure to check out the exhibit Come check it out by Italian artist Paola Pivi, which includes her piece Untitled (Shoes) — a collection of 145 pairs of new and used shoes that tell the stories of those who wore them.
The gift of journaling
Head to a local store and treat yourself to a new notebook, planner, or some fun pens and start journaling. Bonus: You might even score a deal, as stores often have clearance racks right after the holidays. Need more reasons to grab a new notebook? Research has shown that journaling can help lower distress. A 2006 study showed that journaling for 15 minutes a day was correlated to a reduction in symptoms of stress and anxiety. You can jot down your thoughts, track your moods, or get creative with sketches. Or, try “junk journaling,” which involves using recycled materials and items that hold meaning to you each day. Reid’s at 710 17 Ave S.W. and Recess at 1333 9 Ave S.E. are great local sources for cool notebooks and pens.
