Happy Winter. Today is the first day of winter and it’s no secret that the winter may not be your best season. For me it ignites my seasonal depression and kicks it into high gear. One of the many reasons is that with the close soon of the holidays I am not longer focused on ways to give or serve others. So, if you are like to me, I have preparing for the winter for the last few months.
Wintertime Regiment
Here are a few things that I have started a few months ago. With the help of my therapist, we have been decreasing my therapy appointments. It’s super simple. Use less when I don’t need it and increase it starting January. When my seasonal depression kicks in althoughI look super organized, I struggle.
For instance, my blog and content are at the point where it can survive for the many moments I feel as if I go “dark.” Going dark for me is a rough place for me. My family are usually the ones that are the ones who have seen me at this low place. In the last 2 years due to the preparation I have taken, it has been so much better.
Natural Light for the Winter
Also, natural light is my friend. I do this by opening the blinds. It doesn’t matter if its raining, snowing or cloudy. Taking the precaution of increasing natural light as much as possible is important. My house does a wonderful job of allowing natural light in two places: my living and bedroom.
So, I do my best to be self-conscience. I know we want to be like bears and hibernate. However, if you are able, get out and touch grass or the outside as much as possible. This is important to keep your spirits as high as possible. Since I am an avid runner, I will spend as much time as humanely possible to run and go to the gym. A little-known fact is that I run more in the winter for that very reason.
Increase Good Sleep
For the start of January, I who have already worked on my New Year content strategy will be doing less events that start at 5pm. I want to be able to get home after picking up the kids and be active in their homework and dinner time. This is a shift from the previous months. More time at home allows me to tap into my sleep and nighttime routine. If you do not have a good nighttime routine that also decreases social media time the time to do so is now. That social media declutter is good for your soul. To help me sleep well, the wind down is important.
After I shift from holiday cocktails and focus on dry January, it will help me lose weight in all areas of my life.
Keep Active
I hinted at this at the beginning of the blogpost, but your activity needs a little jumpstart. It can be hard if you struggle. However,with that reset that many will take on the time is now. Invest in yourself by making sure that you get moving. Can’t stand the gym? No worries. Move something so you don’t lose it. I am in my soon to be middle forties. Its important to move my joints and more. So do some steps in the house/apartment. I have a workout bike that I use too. In addition, you are online so get on YouTube and do a free workout. There is one for everybody as well as every level. Find something you like or try something new.
Winter and Dehydration
The frigid air can make you dry as well as be the cause of dehydration. So, increase your water intake. I used to have issues drinking water in the past. So now I add cut up citrus fruit in it. It helps in many ways. Now I can drink so much water. Another trick that I like to do and have been doing for years is changing my cups. Right now, I am fascinated with my Wicked Stanley. This cup goes everywhere with me. Plus, in case you deal with acne flare ups like me from time to time, drinking water is a fantastic way to keep your skin glowing too.
Eating Well this Winter
Do not confuse this as an opportunity to eat whatever you want without taking much thought. What you eat is a form of self-care. Taking care of you is key. Enjoy your food and eat well. Take pride in preparing more hearty meals. As a family of 5 I have always used my two crockpots on ovens usually on Sundays to prepare the many meals that my family will enjoy. If you want to try new meals especially good comfort food but revert to that hydration and active movement to help you too.
Treat Yourself
Who do you think will do the work of investing in you? Only you can do that. So, get to it. You are your greatest asset. Think about the ways you have let yourself down. Take that bubble bath. Buy a new lipstick. Go to the bookstore. If you are a mom, your kids don’t need anything new. Start making a budget on a few things that you can do for you. If you have been desiring to get back into your facials again, there are a lot of spots that are cost effective. Been thinking of switching up your wardrobe, set a few coins to the side, buy a few staples, and build on it. You are worthy of treating yourself.
What is your skin care and body products looking like? Be Indulgent
Yes, in the winter with dry skin and more, its time to get those thick products that will keep you glowing. From decadent skin and hair care, grab them. I use a lot of those feet and hand skin holders. You stick your hand and feet in them for about 20 minutes and come out smoother than a baby. I use them in-between my pedicure. I do reduce my winter pedicures to once a month, being ashy doesn’t have to be a part of my world. Do not forget your lips. If you are like and wear hats, line them with a silk liner. This will reduce your hair from shedding.
Gratitude for the Winter
I am not a fan of the winter. As soon as I am able I will to move in a warmer temperature trust me I plan to. I am encouraging you to do gratitude journaling. This is a fantastic way to stay focus. In addition, instead of complaining of how much I dislike winter I can do other things with my time. If you are looking for things to do for you this season, get a new journal. This is a great way to take a step in the right direction of who you are working towards.
Stay Connected
I love my alone time. However, making sure that I stay connected to others is important in the wintertime. For instance, and I have a friend who deals with seasonal depression. We connect often outside of that, but we support each other during these rough months more. So trivial things like asking her how she is doing with it or even asking her to share a win for the day are all ways to connect. We are all texters, pick up a phone or write a letter. I do things like increase sending cards to others.
I am giving winter a side eye but also practicing self-care even more. If you are looking for more tips or are on Pinterest, give me a follow up. With creating on Pinterest with the team I am doing more to be more present on apps that honor the learning and creativity and that is one. Happy Winter!
