Saturday, December 6, 2008

Surviving the Winter Blues


The weather has clearly turned and winter is here. Coats and sweaters make their way back into our daily wardrobe, the trees stand bare, and ...... the malls are bustling. As we move through this season many emotions may arise for us. Holidays past - both joyous and melancholy - find their way back into our thoughts. It is certainly a time of year when we need to take care of ourselves both physically and emotionally. I experience a slight case of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which I'm sure I'm not alone. See below for a few tips to that helps me get through the long, cold, dark, witner months:


~Stay connected with others. Whether in person or on the phone, the human connection is critical to our well-being.

~Practice daily affirmations. Repeating a positive thought several times throughout the day can help remind us of the potential we have to live well. (Ex: "I am a strong and optimistic person.")

~Do something kind for someone else. It is well known that helping others brings a flood of good feelings for the helper as well as for the receiver.

~Keep active. Exercise releases those important endorphins that keep our brains triggering positive emotions for us.

~Take care of your basic physical needs. Eat well and get enough sleep. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition are culprits in bringing on the blues.

~Pamper yourself often. Treat yourself to a simple luxury - a bubble bath, a relaxing evening with a friend, your favorite upbeat movie. You're worth it and you deserve it.

~Notice the beauty around you. Keeping your focus on the lovely things in life focuses your attention on what you DO have. The sunrise in the morning, children laughing, a flower blooming in the midst of the cold winter day - blessings we have that we sometimes overlook
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2 comments:

Simple Daisy said...

How true!! Did you take that photo?? It is beautiful!! See you tonight!!

Bella-Fleur said...

Hello
thanks for letting me know about the spin class, I actually think I would like to give it a try. I need something to help me with my winter blues. Winter is hard for me to try and get my excercise, I usually powerwalk 2 miles a day, so when the cold weather gets nasty it is hard for me to get motivated to go outside and walk. So maybe you will see me in your class real soon! thanks again for letting me know. Have a Merry Christmas!