Keep the Winter Blues Away
A couple of years ago I realized that somewhere around April my brain wakes up. I didn't realize that it had gone on sabbatical for the winter until it came back. That was a bummer because I was now behind on a number of projects. Something had to change for the next year.
Many people find the winter months difficult. As the days get shorter and darker it’s a good time to look at what science tells us is the best way to get through the winter.
Get outside for at least 30 minutes a day. It doesn’t have to be all at once. Put on a coat and use this as an excuse to go outside and read or have a hot drink.
Get some exercise every day. Just 15 minutes can make a difference. During your breaks throw on a coat and walk for 10 minutes. Park a block or two away from where you’re going. One of my clients made a meandering walk in her yard. She planted some plants that she particularly enjoys along the path. Play a tug game with your dog. Dance to your favorite music 💃 (it's OK, no one's watching.) Now would be a great time to use that elliptical that’s currently holding your clothes (ask me how I know.)
Leave the house and get out where there are other people. We tend to want to hibernate in our caves during the winter, but studies have shown that we feel more calm, energetic and happy when we get out of the house. I have a friend that has taken up playing pickle ball and swimming this winter in order to get out of the house and be around other people.
Use a bright light in the morning. Verilux makes an assortment of lights just for this purpose.
Remember to turn off the lights in the afternoon so your body knows that it’s time to go to sleep.
Make routines and promise yourself to stick to them. When the days get dark it’s easy to want to just sit on the couch and binge watch your favorite shows. Now is the time to really stick to those routines that you know work well for you. It’s easy to let things slip but Future You is going to have to pick up those pieces and they’re not going to be happy.
(HINT: Write your routines down and post them where you can see them so you don’t forget - forgetting is easy in the winter.)
Be curious. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula here. Keep notes of what works for you and what doesn’t. Make adjustments as necessary.
Most important, be kind to yourself. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do any of the above things, it simply means that if you have a bad day don’t beat yourself up about it. Find out what happened and get a plan for the future. Tomorrow is another day.
That’s it.
Get outside every day
Exercise for at least 15 minutes every day
Leave the house
Bright light in the morning
Lights off in the evening
Stick to your routines
Be curious
Be kind
Now, get outdoors and go for a walk. Be sure to say “hi” to your favorite plants along the way. 🚶♀️
