So we are almost in the middle of winter and I know it can seem like this season lasts forever. With cold, long nights and a short amount of daylight, it is not everyone’s most desired time of the year. We experience pleasurable, hot, sunny days in the summer then suddenly it changes. Chapped lips, doughty hands and stiff limbs. A vast amount of people experience loss of motivation and lower mood due to weather changes, but hold in there because I have 4 simple steps to help you fight the winter blues.
1. Keep active and seize daylight
Being active is important in all seasons but vitally important in autumn and winter due to lack of sunlight. Getting enough sunlight stimulates your body as it boosts levels of serotonin – the body’s natural happy hormone. There are many ways you could expose to natural light such as; walking through the woods or the beach, going out to take some pictures of the beautiful scenery or even walking your dog around the block. Enjoy the great outdoors, go grab a hot chocolate and take in the natural surroundings. Do yourself a favor this winter and keep active to protect your mental health as well as keeping your fitness levels up.
2. Review the past year and plan the year ahead
Year after year everything seems to all blend into one. You easily fall into a routine and after a while you look back and wonder what you have done with your life the past few years, which is quite common. So at the end of each year it’s good to regain focus into what has happened each year. Looking back at the past year enables you to discover what you have learnt as well as all the great achievements you thought were impossible. Having no limits and focus on setting new goals gives you the motivation to put the new year forward and can help overcome procrastination. A small change in mindset, shifts reality which I began to realize shortly after evaluating my time constructively.
3. Renew yourself with pampering
Long nights means you can have the time to indulge in some serious pampering, because every now and then a little relaxation is needed. It helps you come to terms with the world around you and understand yourself better. If you are the sort of person that doesn’t respect yourself then how can you expect other people to respect you? Don’t be a doormat and allow yourself to care for yourself and do things that make you feel great. There are all sorts of low budget things to do. You can look up home yoga videos, invite friends over to do each others nails or create your own handmade face mask. Whether you are a lush addict or a ‘rush in and out’ of the bath type of person, this is the perfect time to relax and refreshed in the colder season.
4. Nourish your body with seasonal foods
Winter is definitely my favourite season for food. Warm homemade soup, kale, sprouts and of course roasted sweet potatoes. In winter we need lots of extra vitamins to fight off infections, flu and colds so when eating in season the produce is cheaper, it tastes better. It has the highest nutritional value and is better for the environment so if that doesn’t persuade you to get extra veggies in your meals, i’m not sure what will. Getting the best produce will keep your brain, gut and stomach happy.
