How to survive winter after the holidays

January’s going to have tough days for just about everyone.

The first days back at work. Back to the grind, leaving behind all the celebrations, the festivities, the gift-buying, the gift-opening, the tree decorating, the lights, the family gatherings, the food, the drinks, and all the “Happy New Year!” sentiments that have come and gone.

Now? It is time to hunker down. Back to work. Back to the routine with the known drudgery of the long, cold, dark winter days ahead staring us straight in the face.

No doubt, it can be a tough time for many of us. But there are ways to get through it.

Be sure to keep in touch with friends, family, neighbors, and work cohorts (working from home can even add to the loneliness), and get involved in some outside-work activities. Book groups, charitable organizations, recreational sports and fitness centers are all among the possibilities here.

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Anything, really, that gets you out and engaged with the world around you can help you fight off winter.

By all means, if the loneliness of the long, cold winter is starting to really get you down, don’t hesitate to seek help. Churches, community centers, and the Department of Health and Human Services are but a few of the outlets available to find help.

If all else fails, we here at the Chicago Star will do our best to keep your spirits up through the long days of winter ahead with some hopeful, upbeat, and inspiring stories.

Think of us as the one James Taylor sang about in verse — “You’ve got a friend.”

We can get through this tough time of year. One step at a time, one day at a time. Babysteps, if you must.