For those of us who don’t live in the more tropical parts of the United States, winter seems to be dragging on and on and on. Like Sarah said, February is only 28 days and yet it feels like it lasts 100 years. As we look forward to Spring, observe the days growing longer and get some glimpses of sunshine and warmth, we know that the last push of winter still hovers.

If you’re like me, you may find that these gray days of Winter and cold temperatures that keep you indoors make you a bit crabby. The energy of life seems to seep slowly out of you and your creativity wanes. This affects every part of your life, including your marriage and relationships. So what’s a girl to do?

We have 5 tips for combating the Winter Blahs in your marriage:

1. Play – the kids are out there in it, get out there with them, both of you! If you’re still experiencing snow in your neck of the woods, throw snowballs at each other, take a stroll in the winter wonderland (and bring a thermos of hot cocoa to share), dance under the stars or write sweet nothings to each other in the snow. The exercise and movement will invigorate you and bring much needed endorphins to your brain! Bonus, if it’s sunny, you’ll get an added dose of Vitamin D, also good for getting rid of the blahs!

2. Kiss – speaking of endorphins, kissing releases a chemical called oxytocin which triggers romantic feelings. If you and your husband have seemed a little distant, a little snippy, try making that “good-bye before work” or “hello back from work” kiss last a bit longer. Put some passion behind it, hold him closer, revel in the moment. It could be a bit of foreplay for…

3. Love – you’ve played, you’ve kissed a little longer, now get under the covers and create some heat. There’s no better way to warm up that sharing some body heat. And then you walk around the next day with a little, sunshiney smile on your face even if it’s cold and gray outside once again.

4. Plan – you need something to look forward to. Plan something for the short-term like a date night or lunch together during the week. Then plan something for when it gets warmer. Maybe a weekend getaway or a summer vacation. Having some events to look forward to are great motivators for getting through the winter blahs. Plus, planning gets those creative juices flowing and uses your brain for something other than playing yet another round of Uno with the kids or watching yet another Disney movie.

5. Reminisce – about Winters of your past. Tell each other or even your whole family stories from when you were a kid. Did you live in an area that got lots of snow or did you get to spend your winters on the beach? What was your favorite wintertime activity? Did you have to shovel snow or walk to school in the snow? You can even tell the stories that your parents and grandparents told you of their winter adventures. Learning more about each other can put a brighter perspective on a dreary day.

And just remember, Spring is around the corner! Look at this as a way to finish strong so that you have renewed energy for the next season.

Photo credits: Clip Art from Microsoft Office Online, snow heart by allyaubry, snow kiss by trix0r