What is grey on grey and grey all over? Winter in the PNW.

At this latitude seasonal depression is no joke, and studies show that your odds of getting bummed out increase toward the holidays. Don’t let your blues make you blah. Here are some ideas on how to get a dopamine fix during dark months in Everett.

1. Sauna
When life turns to cold November rain, do as the Scandinavians do: sweat. Actually, sauna culture exists in pretty much every corner of the world, which gives this health practice credibility.

Excessive perspiration, among other things, can help relieve muscle-bound stress. Hot temperatures increase blood flow, helping your body to detoxify.

Interestingly, the potential Everett sauna-goer has two options: the Forest Park Swim Center or the Downtown Banya Spa on Colby, which has a sauna built by a third-generation Russian stove maker. Downtown Banya, also a bistro, is maybe the only place in town where you can hit the steam baths and then order herring and onions for dinner.

2. Pho
Hot soup is a good way to warm up; more so when it’s filled with Sriracha sauce and jalapeños. Everett has several delicious pho restaurants (my personal favorite is Pho Ha on Colby).

Want a mini vacation to Vietnam? Check in on a bleak day and sit over a bowl of steam. Non-vegetarian? Earn cultural sensitivity points by ordering a bowl of noodles filled with tendons, tripe, and oxtail. Leave with a full belly and hands that smell like sweet basil.

3. The Everett Public Library
Whether you’re into the more obscure writings of Faulkner or you want to check out Caddyshack on DVD, the Everett Public Library is your place for escapism on a rainy day.

The library’s café, Bookends Coffee, serves espresso and drip from Velton’s, an Everett roaster. The coffee shop is a good place to sit with a warm mug and try to wrap your mind around Gravity’s Rainbow.

4. Glacier Lanes
Binged out on Netflix? Scrolled to the end of every last political argument on FB? Why not do something IRL ASAP?

Put on a jean jacket, grab your guy- or gal-pal and take them to Glacier Lanes. Buy them a soda. Have a conversation, even. About feelings. Glacier has a vintage vibe so you can pretend like you’re in an 80’s teen comedy. Spend an hour or two caught up in neon beer lights, pull tabs and flashing arcade games.

Bowling is a form of exercise that often involves nachos and beer, which is something that most everyone can appreciate. And that vintage vibe guarantees that you’ll get at least one cell phone pic that you can label #nofilter.

5. Pro tip: Himalayan salt lamp from the Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op
Here’s how it works. Salt lamps emit orange light. Most of our electronics (including the screen you’re reading this on) emit light in the blue range of the color spectrum. Blue light stimulates, orange light calms and relaxes. Salt lamps also generate small amounts of negative ions which can soothe mood and increase focus.

You can get a salt lamp at the co-op starting at sixteen bucks.

Psst. They also have some craft events coming up. Make a holiday wreath why don't ya?

Richard Porter is a social worker and musician. He lives in North Everett and enjoys running on Marine View Drive, bicycling down tree-lined streets, and trying to coax vegetables out of his yard.