Are you are struggling with winter blues? We all do in some shape or form. Its a hard time for many. We are around family and friends and our focus is on the holiday then all of a sudden it STOPS. It stops and its cold outside. If you are like me, you look forward to the sun coming back out, the flowers poking through the soil and being outside. There is a way to cruise into January and LOVE IT. Know that is going to be more of a “downtime” but thats okay, there is a purpose for every season!!
5 Ways To Beat the Winter Blues
1) VOLUNTEER
There is something about giving back that warms the heart. January is a fabulous time to volunteer because its full of so many new beginnings. For example, The Special Olympics offers certain sports in specific seasons and are always looking for people to assist or even participate with the athletes. Not only are you giving back but you are filling a natural human need to be part of SOMETHING BIGGER. We are designed to be in community, and what better way to do that then to help out?
2) JOIN A CLASS
I joined an abstract painting class two years ago and it was an absolute blast. I was an Art Major at James Madison University and painting was one of my favorite classes! Creativity pumps through my blood and I knew I had to get back into so took an art class at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I didn’t know a soul, and most of the ladies were 40 years older then me BUT I made tons of friends!
3) SWITCH UP YOUR ROUTINE
Have you ever seen the movie GROUND HOGS DAY where Bill Murray wakes up to find himself stuck in the same day for who knows how long?? I feel like life can be that way sometimes. We get up, eat breakfast, go to work, come home, watch tv and go to bed….EVERYDAY. In Gretchen Wilson’s book, The Happy Project she talks about this and specifically mentions driving a different way to work. I completely agree. Even if it takes you longer, you might see something that you didn’t see before.
4) TAKE VITAMIN D
I feel like this is essential. This time of year the sun hibernates too and our bodies need sun. If you can’t get outside for at least 15 minutes take a vitamin D pill. Check out this website for more reasons why the sun is so amazing for our body:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/dieting/15-reasons-why-the-sun-is-good-for-you-623393
5) GET EXERCISE
I can’t emphasize this enough (I’m also preaching to the choir here). I’ll be honest, starting in October to December I have eaten everything and anything. I over indulge during the holidays and I can feel a little sluggish once all the hoopla is over with. Going to the gym has SO MANY BENEFITS. I can’t tell you how good I feel after I have worked out!! When you sweat your body rids itself of built up toxins like Coritsol (caused by stress). Working out also releases endorphins which makes you feel happy! Lastly, you feel sexy. Who doesn’t wanna look in the mirror and love themselves??
5) GET ORGANIZED
Its cold, and as I’m writing this, its icy and I’m stuck in the house. What do you do when you are stuck in the house? GET ORGANIZED. I can’t tell you how amazing you will feel after you wash a load of clothes or organized that pile of papers thats been sitting on your dining room table for 6 months. Accomplishing little tasks helps you to achieve the big tasks and in turn, you feel better about yourself.
There are A TON more ways to get happy and beat the Winter blues but I think this is a great start!!! Remember- one day at a time.