Once the Holidays are over, many individuals experience the "winter blues," feeling shut-in with nothing to do until spring arrives. Of course, older persons are most prone to this annual bout of sadness, not having children or jobs to keep them busy.
Reading by the fire and Scrabble only occupy so much time and tuning into the news exacerbates their depression. Some, with the means to do so, escape to southern climes while others resort to hobbies such as painting or knitting. I would suggest they turn their attention to nature; she is always helpful when we humans get the blues.
Birdwatching is one of the best means to reconnect with nature; a field guide, binoculars and a feeding area outside a window are the only requirements. Non-birders soon discover that a wide variety of species visit their yard, some of which only appear in winter. If not housebound for medical reasons, one can easily bundle up and take their new hobby on the road, visiting nature preserves, conservation areas or just nearby sites in the country; fresh air, exercise and tranquility are added benefits. Spring will arrive soon enough.
