Kick those winter blues!
The winter blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (conveniently also known as SAD)
Cabin Fever
Temporary Insanity
All synonyms to what it can feel like to live through the cold winter months. I recently read an article from a magazine describing how to beat the winter blues, and I was admittingly rolling my eyes. It was quite obvious this article was written in a warm, sunny state, and the suggestions were along the lines of how to beat a cool breeze when you forget your jacket. Hilarious.
Coats people! Here in the Midwest, we wear coats! Jackets are for inside the restaurant.
There is something about the month of February, where I know it usually kicks in for me. The holiday high is over, the sun tends to be hiding in Cleveland, and the kids are starting to literally climb the walls because their strep throat or flu have subsided.
For the comfort of warmth and energy - I begin replacing my water with coffee, and it’s no longer tasting good. Now it’s only making me jittery with nowhere to go. This is when I tend to resort to my bed as a safe space to hide. You can see the spiraling pattern from here.
To be clear, I’m not trying to paint an ugly picture of February in the town that I love, but I’m also not going to pretend like it’s tulips and fresh air in the house right now either. So let’s move through the last leg of winter together from a place of enjoyment! (Unless you ski. Then you’re probably fine, and you confuse me).
Here are my top 5 simple ways to improve your mood during the REAL winter months:
Step outside. I bet you didn’t think I was going to start with that. I don’t care if this means you take baby steps, and just pop your head out of the door to take a few deep breaths. My neighbors have seen me do this in my robe, and they’re cool with it. I promise you, it will wake up your senses, and make you come alive. Taking advantage of the cold air can improve focus, and lower stress levels. A walk, a run, it’s all good - be brave friends!
Turn up the “jams” (as our kids call them). Playing louder, upbeat music has been proven to improve ones mood both in the short and long term. To that, I say YES!
Brighten up your environment. Yesterday, I brought home a pretty bouquet of flowers, and both the aroma and the colors lifted my mood.
Keep it moving. I know. The winter months can also be known for retreat, reflection, and rest. But sometimes you have to remember to get off your ass and get that blood flowing! I’m talking to myself right now. Hit up that warm yoga class, try that gym down the street, or see if the treadmill still works… if not, plug it in ;)
And finally, drink your water. I promise, I will too! The winter months are dry and crisp. More water will help us improve our skin, provide us with energy, help us from extra weight gain, and protect our immune system.
So I raise my glass of water, and say cheers to you! Let’s take care of our mental and physical health all year round. We must take care of ourselves in order to take care of others, and I know how much that means to you.
be well.
alysia