The bipolar winds of a warming Ohio winter have been swirling, bringing rain and flooding to the central woods near my home, where only weeks before the snow had swallowed up my tiny country town in a blanket of pearlescent white. The days have been cut short by the near-forgotten sun, which has forced me to remain indoors most days while I dream of a greener spring and a warmer summer. And while many of my family and friends are consumed with the work and busyness that comes with modern times, I surround myself with my writing, reading, and contemplation, as well as things that make me happy.
Because what else can one do?
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a real disorder that I’ve come to understand well this winter, not because of its troubling affects but because I’ve worked to manage them unlike years past. Third shifters and a lot of people who live in northern countries deal with SAD since the sun dims in the winter months. To manage daily, I sit in front of a light therapy lamp and surround myself in things I love: music, books, painting, craft projects, and redecorating rooms in my house. And while the bottom line for my mood has improved compared to some more depressing experiences in years past, I still crave the beach and the sun, and I miss spending time with loved ones.
Because what else can one do?
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a real disorder that I’ve come to understand well this winter, not because of its troubling affects but because I’ve worked to manage them unlike years past. Third shifters and a lot of people who live in northern countries deal with SAD since the sun dims in the winter months. To manage daily, I sit in front of a light therapy lamp and surround myself in things I love: music, books, painting, craft projects, and redecorating rooms in my house. And while the bottom line for my mood has improved compared to some more depressing experiences in years past, I still crave the beach and the sun, and I miss spending time with loved ones.
So, one day I decided it was time to try something different.
When it takes only minutes for the winter chill to work its way into my bones, you will most often find me curled up with a blanket in front of a fire or an electric heater. But when winter is long, the reality of spending everyday indoors will take its toll. So, instead of watching summery movies and dreaming of better times, I planned out a one day adventure replicating my favorite summer days. I gathered some of my best friends and we went tanning prior to hosting a private indoor swim party. Sure, it’s not the same as a beautiful day at the beach, but when you’re in Ohio in February, you have to make due.
When it takes only minutes for the winter chill to work its way into my bones, you will most often find me curled up with a blanket in front of a fire or an electric heater. But when winter is long, the reality of spending everyday indoors will take its toll. So, instead of watching summery movies and dreaming of better times, I planned out a one day adventure replicating my favorite summer days. I gathered some of my best friends and we went tanning prior to hosting a private indoor swim party. Sure, it’s not the same as a beautiful day at the beach, but when you’re in Ohio in February, you have to make due.
Now that our body’s felt refreshed by the light, it was time to swim. And so there we were, joking, swimming, splashing and soaking, all the while a simmering of jovial chatter filled the room, echoing off the tile walls. The vibe was positive, but not as lively as I had envisioned, which is why I had planned ahead. I dried off with a towel then riffling through my backpack, I pulled out a portable speaker, the Megablast by Ultimate Ears. I paired my phone quickly over Bluetooth, before selecting a dance mix which boomed through the swimming pool. I turned up the volume and before long, a dance party broke out in the pool. I looked around, seeing some of my favorite faces light up as the beat and feel moved through them, showing in their movements.
After our time was up in the pool, we filed back to a friend’s place, where I took over as DJ, using the same speaker to fill the house with music. Our group gathered and danced the night away, bringing to end a perfect winter day, spent in the sun, in the water, and with a popup party scene, which seemed to save each and everyone of us. So, in the end, it was the change of pace that brought our camaraderie back together, which in turn seemed to save each of us from our stagnation and from the winter blues. Sometimes when SAD or depression is at its worst is when it makes you feel like you don’t wanna move, but sometimes you have to be creative, and sometimes you simply have to force yourself to break out of the funk you let lull you.
After our time was up in the pool, we filed back to a friend’s place, where I took over as DJ, using the same speaker to fill the house with music. Our group gathered and danced the night away, bringing to end a perfect winter day, spent in the sun, in the water, and with a popup party scene, which seemed to save each and everyone of us. So, in the end, it was the change of pace that brought our camaraderie back together, which in turn seemed to save each of us from our stagnation and from the winter blues. Sometimes when SAD or depression is at its worst is when it makes you feel like you don’t wanna move, but sometimes you have to be creative, and sometimes you simply have to force yourself to break out of the funk you let lull you.
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 | In the above narrative, I mentioned using the Megablast by Ultimate Ears, so I thought it would be nice to highlight why I use this product. In my generation, music has become a savior; one that keeps the lonely company, and heals the broken, and sets fire in the soul. So, for me to be able to play music loudly, easily, wirelessly, all without having to lug around one of those old school boomboxes, it’s a lifesaver. Not only because I can bring the party, but because I can do it with such ease, and with such flavor. The Megablast was designed brilliantly, as it’s a waterproof cylinder that provides high quality sound at a blistering volume, at 360-degrees. So, no matter if you’re along and spending a snowy day indoors, or whether you’re instigating a flash party with friends, anywhere, this speaker can bring the vibes and the good feels.
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If you would like to find our more about the Megablast Speaker by Ultimate Ears, click here.
Story written by Brandon Scott
(Pool photo by vmiramontes via Flickr + Snow photo by blok70 via Flickr)
Story written by Brandon Scott
(Pool photo by vmiramontes via Flickr + Snow photo by blok70 via Flickr)
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