This is the time of the year when the clock changes, the temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter and darker. This is the time of the year when we might start experiencing winter blues; we find ourselves losing energy, feeling unmotivated and generally we can notice changes in our mood.
Winter blues can affect anything from mood swings, loss of motivation, change in sleep patterns and drop of appetite.
Even though some people enjoy this season, winter sports, hot chocolate, reading in front of the fire and indoor activities, for some others it really is the toughest time of the year.
So how can we lift our spirits and go through this season with a smile on our face?
Here below the list of 8 of my favorite mood-boosting ways:
- Try a mini-spa in the shower/bath
Pick a good showering soap, maybe some bath salts and some uplifting essential oils, such as wild orange, mandaring, cedar wood, cinnamon… dray brush each day to get the circulation going, apply a thick body cream to prevent dehydration and flaky skin and use a tropically scented shampoo. Don’t forget to apply some make up, according to your taste.
- Come out of your pj’s
Even if you are not planning to step out of the house, make sure you leave your pj’s on the bed and get dressed. This is one of the things I have noticed for myself, if I spend the day in my pj’s I feel lazy, unmotivated and not really up for anything. So put your jeans on, maybe a nice warm jumper and your favorite slippers, it will immediately make you feel better.
- Take your Vitamin D
There is definitely a link between the intake of vitamin D and your mood during winter months. Schedule an appointment with your family doctor, get those levels checked and act accordingly. Vitamin D is manufactured by the body as a response to sun exposure so it’s normal that we might lack of it during the darker months.
- Exercise regularly
It doesn’t have to be a really intense and exhausting training, but it’s important to dedicate some time to get your body moving. If you are brave enough to stand the cold, take yourself for a walk, or simply do some Yoga or Pilates at home. If you have a pool close by, you could go swimming. Either way, any form of movement will help your body release endorphins which will help boosting your energy levels.
- Eat a healthy diet with mood boosting foods
It’s possible that during winter our taste buds change and we start craving starchy foods and sweets, kicking into the pantry all the yummy and healthy ingredients. Of course, part of a balanced diet also includes some not so healthy meals but generally try to keep it as clean as possible, while adding foods that can naturally boost your mood, such as: fatty fish rich in Omega 3, dark chocolate, fermented foods, bananas, oats, berries, nuts & seeds, fresh veggies, beans & peas, coffee.
- Keep to a sleeping schedule
When it gets dark at around 4:30pm, it’s normal for your body clock to tell you to wind down and get ready to sleep. So, with the dark skies and the cold weather is possible that you feel like taking a few extra naps. Although, it’s really important to maintain a regular sleep schedule not to experience nights of interruptive sleep.
- Mindfulness and Meditation
If you feel like your mood is taking a turn for the worst, try to engage in mindfulness and meditation practices. You can either join a class, which would also give you that feeling of being part of a community, or you can try it at home. Both practices will allow you to go inwards and identify your feelings, while improving your mood. At the same time, you get a chance to escape from the triggers leading to sadness.
- Make plans
What do you have to look forward to? Especially after the holidays hype, it’s really important to have something going, something planned to avoid those winter blues. Throw a holiday party for a small group of friends, plan a weekend trip, get tickets to a concert, or find a local event that doesn’t require much money or travel time.
If you are curious to know more, stay tuned, for the next article and follow me on @conscious_body_soul for daily tips on how to live holistically without feeling completely overwhelmed.
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