By Katherine Moseley
If you have ever spent a winter in Skagway, you have probably experienced some form of the winter blues, especially during the months of January and February. Feelings of general sadness, anxiety, and a lack of energy are common symptoms. The winter blues can cause us to feel agitated and stressed out. Our pets, particularly dogs, can detect our stress hormones with their keen sense of smell. They can synchronize with us and mirror our emotions. Stress can have a negative impact on life span. To help reduce our animal friend’s stress levels, we must keep our own stress levels under control. Here are a few tips to help you and your pet combat the winter blues:
1. Exercise. It costs nothing and can be done indoors and outdoors. My preferred choice of exercise is walking outdoors. I walk my dogs seven days a week, all year long, in all weather conditions. Some days I am too tired, or it is too cold, but I do it anyways. I always feel so much better after a walk and so do my dogs. It is vital to our physical and mental well-being. Even a short 5-minute walk can help.
2. Light therapy. Some people use “happy lights” that mimic natural sunlight. These lights can be helpful, but nothing beats the real sun. Several years ago, I worked as a medical assistant with the late Lynne Cameron at the Dahl Memorial Clinic. During the quiet winter months, Lynne would invite us to join her for a “sun break” when the sun would shine through the windows. Of course, this was a rare treat but I will always remember those golden beams blasting through the window. And in that moment, I would feel an overwhelming feeling of happiness. It was pure magic. To this day, I still celebrate “sun breaks” and think of Lynne Cameron and all the light that she brought to this small valley.
3. Catnip. Watching cats frolic in delight while enjoying a little bit of nip is always fun. And did you know that you can ingest this safe and beneficial herb too? And so can your dog. Catnip has a calming effect on humans and dogs.
4. Play. Play with your dog. Play with your cat. Turn the music up and dance. When I dance to loud music my dogs get wild. And we laugh and laugh. Yep, animals laugh too. 
5. Stay socially connect
ed. This one can be hard, especially in a small town. Keep your eye on local Facebook pages to keep up to date with social events. Or if that isn’t your thing, invite a friend to go for a dog walk or to come over for some catnip tea. You never know who else may be struggling and being invited to do something could also help them.
6. Rest. Winter is here to remind us to rest and slow down. Full confession, I take a daily nap. I set an alarm so that it is a short nap. Nothing better than taking a nap snuggled up with my pets. This short nap helps recharge my batteries. My husband and I joke that our pets have a special sleepy dust that they sprinkle on us when we are sleeping. Cause some days it is harder to get up than others, especially when the North wind is howling, and the darkness seems endless. Adequate rest is important for you and your pets. Winter is a good time to conserve your energy for the upcoming busy summer season.
If you can’t seem to shake the winter blues, then you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or clinical depression. Please reach out to the Dahl Memorial Clinic at 907-983-2255 or Taiya Counseling Services at 907-983-2459. And if you know someone that may be suffering, don’t expect them to reach out, you may need to reach in.
