Living in areas with four seasons is a blessing. I didn’t realize this until I moved to a one-season climate and I missed the four seasons that I had once complained about – particularly winter. When I moved back to the four-season climate and winter came around, I was getting seasonal depression.
A male colleague encouraged me to get an outside winter hobby. I did and I felt better about the colder months. I’ve learned many things since receiving that excellent advice. Winter is not the time to hibernate. Embrace the joy of the season, and you will no longer regret that time of the year.
Here are some ideas to help you thrive in winter.
1. Plan Ahead
Imagine yourself moving through the next few months. What do you want to be doing? Write down your plans for the winter months. Purchase what is needed to meet this plan. Consider setting a schedule of activities.
2. Establish Healthy Meal Patterns and Sleeping Patterns
You will need more energy to make it through the cold months. Consider this as a start of a healthy lifestyle routine. A good start is to eliminate processed foods and refined sugars. These foods cause weight gain, malaise and depression.
A healthy sleep pattern can help improve energy and overall health. This looks different for everyone, but consistency is important.
3. Just Get Up, Get Out, and Groove
Engaging in regular physical activity boosts endorphins, the “feel good” chemicals. Walking, slow flow movement, dancing or any activity you can do indoors or outdoors is good for the body and the mind. Just 15 minutes of moderate exercise a day can boost your energy, help you sleep better and improve your mood.
The cold weather doesn’t mean you are stuck inside. Get creative with ways to stay fit during the winter. Cooking, reading, playing games, watching movies are all activities that you can enjoy.
Find online videos to follow along or virtual classes to join. You may even find these types of classes offer a way to connect with others while you enjoy the physical benefits. Join the Breathing Vitality Slow Flow Movement class we offer online.
4. Prayer and Mindfulness Reduce Stress and Illness
I pray daily and all day long as needed. It allows me to connect to my Lord and stay focused on healthy things that increase endorphins. Meditation and mindfulness also increase endorphins. Try practicing prayer, meditation and mindfulness. If you need help starting – I can show you how to begin this journey.
5. Remaining Socially Connected
Staying connected can help you fight the winter blues. Engage in church activities, joining clubs or getting involved in community activities. Spend time with loved ones and friends. Have outings with family and friends. This is a great time to start entertaining in your home where you can engage others in breaking bread together, laughing, listening to music, talking and having a great time and good conversation.
6. Sunlight Is the Key
Bundle up and get outside and enjoy the weather, even if you are going shopping, going to the store, or just a brisk walk. Darkness leads to depression – open up the curtains and let the light in.
7. Create a Cozy Environment
Design your home for comfort, inviting warm lights and warm scents.
Winter is a great time to rearrange or redesign your home for your comfort. Start with the room(s) that need your love. Sometimes, you need a new rug, new curtains, new bedspread, or lamps to get you started. You can add more items as you tackle the ones that can make a major difference. Think about lighting as you rearrange or redesign your room.
8. Volunteer – Do Something for Others
There are many organizations, churches or community centers that can use your talent. Helping others will help you feel good about yourself, it will boost your energy, your endorphins, and your desire to keep on keeping on. Reach out and help someone.
9. Try Something New
Winter is a great time to start something new. Reach back into your mental arsenal and write down something you had enjoyed in the past or something you had wanted to do or to try. This is the time to get started. Don’t think about it, just do it!
10. This Is the Time to Organize or Declutter
This is the time to create a more functional, organized, and peaceful space, which can improve mental well-being and reduce stress. Develop a plan and start small. It may be a junk drawer, closets, dresser drawers etc. Don’t forget to donate items to your local thrift stores. Giving is a wonderful tool that boosts endorphins while you are helping others.
Winter is not the time to hibernate. Embrace the joy of the season and you will no longer regret that time of the year. Reach out to Breathing Vitality, and we will help you make the transition to a healthy living.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What’s most difficult for you to do in winter time? Do you love the cold months or do you prefer warmer climes? Which winter location is your favorite? What winter activity do you love the most?
