shaking off the snow and winter blues!
Seasonal affective “cat” disorder…well, cats do get melancholy in the colder months too..
This post is about us, but the cat can give us some insights…
It is that time of year… many of us sitting watching our cats staring out the window looking at the snow. We look up to the beautiful sky, and there is not a bird insight, instead they’re only clouds…which give us more snow.
Cold days, long dark nights and our lack of motivation just added to our dreary mindset.
We become affected by the season….literally.
* This is seasonal affective disorder which is when your sassy cat circadian rhythm gets thrown off because of the changes in sunlight. It can cause us sadness, fatigue, depressed mood, lack of motivation and depletion of energy.
Yes, your cats can get it too.
When cats get seasonal affective disorder they tend to sleep more, have less energy and become a tad more needy.
I would open both eyes, but it is too much work
So for your cat, it is best to increase their activity, play more with them and when they need attention…give it. Some cats eat more so keep a look out for bulging bellies as well.
As for us humans, our seasonal affecitve disorder doesn’t help our cats as we are less motivated to give them the attention they need.
Together…we all become cranky- sad cats.
So, the best way to help your cat is to help yourself….
Take these tiny lessons from a cat…. and before long you will be feeling the warm breeze touch your heart as it puts a spring in your cat-step.
Cats love to bask in the sunlight…
Get morning sunlight as that is the best for your body. Bask in the sun as much as possible….safely. Close your eyes and just feel the warmth of the sun. It will help. I wouldn’t take over the cats spot. Find your own window or share.
They also have sun-lamps which help as well.
Cats need playtime and so do you..
This is a great time to find a new hobby or work on a project that you can develop and continue into spring. This way as the project gets completed; spring comes along with it. Woo Hoo!
When you increase your mood over something exciting, you increase your endorphins. Endorphins are similar to catnip in cats. They make us feel content and euphoric. Other ways to increase endorphins are exercise, sex and meditation.
Pad around on purpose..
Bundle up and go outside. Enjoy the fact that you can. Take some pictures; see the difference in colors and patterns of the snow or cold earth. This also gives you some much needed exercise and brain stimulation as you cat around using your whiskers of exploration.
I love you Mr. snow man! I love you man!
Connect with your cat friends and family; make paw prints of memories..
I know that when you are blue, the last thing you want is company. This is actually the best time. A good get together, play-time, or socializing can brighten your day and it can help to get you out of that clumpy -dumpy cat litter box mood.
Make some good memories that you can carry to spring.
Look to nature for the answer..
Life is about cycles and seasons, and this is no different. As much as you want to change the way it is, you need to realize that this is it. There are lessons in the sad times of our life too. Soon enough, time will turn the clock forward and before long it will be spring. Sometimes it is just as important to not fight this time of year and instead go with the proverbial flow…or snow in some cases.
Do your best to see life with a cats eye view..
They say that muscle memory is amazing when we visualize with all of our senses. It can make the body believe it is in a situation which it is not. It also takes us away temporally, like a mini-vacation.
Start off practicing just ‘seeing’ with your cat eye. You do this when you daydream or recalling something from memory. You even do this when you need to create a scene in your head. Put yourself in a beautiful spring day.
Take a walk along the beach; put your toes in the grass. Allow your mind and all your senses to walk into that scene completely. You can add sounds, scents too to enhance your mini-vacation too.
Making a tail angel.
Be a Zen Cat
It wouldn’t be Cat Box Zen without some Zen “cat” wisdom. I can’t stress enough how important it is to take care of your mind and body during this time. Meditate, do yoga or practicing no-thought can help to alleviate depression and anxiety. It changes your mindset, reduces stress and also increases those endorphins.
Another wonderful way to stay present is to watch your cat. Do so mindfully, with an open heart.
Winter Peace and Purrs….
KT Cat Paws.
* Seasonal affective disorder can be dangerous as some people get very depressed. Go see your vet, I mean doctor if you feel really sad.
Winter is natures way of making you be patient and learn to wait…. for the beauty of spring.
KT Cat Paws