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How To Beat The ‘Winter Blues’

Posted at 6:39 PM, Jan 21, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-21 19:07:14-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.,– Folks in downtown Grand Rapids took advantage of the sun Tuesday despite being once again in the midst of an arctic deep freeze.

FOX 17 meteorologists say we’re seeing some of the coldest air since at least 1999 and it’s cloudier this January compared to last.

Psychologist Paul Critelli says he’s seeing this year’s cold and clouds take its toll on some of his clients.

“Some of the people I’ve talked to, even some clients, it’s getting to them a little more. The cold, being without power for a couple of days near Christmas, that was very tough,” he said.

Dr. Cartelli says the best antidote for the winter blues: get moving and do something.

“I’m seeing people feeling very agitated at times but then doing something about it,” he said. Things like cleaning out the closets you normally wouldn’t and donating items somewhere, even just getting out and connecting with friends and family.

It’s all about the small ways to lift your spirits as you push through another Michigan winter.

“Just realize the sun is going to come up tomorrow too, you might not see it but it’s still there. Realize this is a temporary time for us to do something a little bit different,” he said.