Tips for Making it Through Long Winters
It's about this time every year that I start thinking... how much longer is winter going to last? Anyone else with me? Between the super short days, cold temperatures and snow, winter starts to feel a bit miserable (unless of course you're a lucky duck that lives somewhere with heat and sunshine year-round!). I've chatted about the winter blues/seasonal affective disorder with a few of you in my DMs and briefly on Stories, so I thought I'd expand on it a little more and share a few things that help me make it through these last few months of what feels like years of winter temperatures and weather.
I always like to preface these kinds of posts with a quick reminder that everyone is different and sometimes what works for me doesn't work for you (or vice versa) and that's ok! We're all just trying to figure stuff out :) Alright, onto my tips for making it through these darn long winters!
Have an arsenal of hobbies and activities that you know bring your joy
It's important to know the things that bring you joy when you find yourself in a spot where you could use a little pick me up. For me, it's all about Kev and family time. Board games, one-on-one dates with my kids, hot tub time with Kevin, visiting my siblings and squeezing their kiddos - these are things I know will make me smile and forget all about the fact that the sun starts setting at 4 pm, ha.
Limit screen time
This is a tough one, especially when your job is online like mine. But, that being said, ultimately I know sitting in front of a screen mindlessly scrolling is not going to lift me up. I don't play the comparison game much these days but when you're already feeling blah and then spend hours on IG seeing other people's highlight reels, it's usually not super helpful for trying to shift into a more positive mindset. Sooo be aware of the potential negative side effects of too much screen time and pick up a book (I shared some of my favorites here!), go for a walk (even if it's on a treadmill - movement is always a booster!), do a quick flow, call your friends or family to catch up, anything but screen time!
Build a solid routine
This is where yoga comes in for me. Being in my routine and in my practice daily gives me sooooo much joy and energy. Of course not every day is the best day, but having my morning routine of waking up early before the rest of the house, having "me time", getting movement in and then settling in to the rest of my day is the best thing I can do for myself. No matter how tired or down I feel about another cold winter day, I know keeping my morning routine will put me in a better, healthier mindset.
Escape for a bit if you can
Kev and I recently took a little weekend away (where the picture is from!), and although it wasn't to some place warm, a change of scenery does a lot for the mind and the soul. If taking a trip somewhere isn't in the cards, change up your surroundings! Even if it just means working from a coffee shop instead of at home. Getting out and about after being home for days or weeks does a lot for me.
Fake it til you make it
Hear me out on this one! If you need more sunlight, grab one of these happy lights and/or make sure you're not deficient in vitamin D (if you are, it can be the reason you're so tired and groggy all the time). If you need a mid-day pick-me-up after another six inches of snow just fell, read yourself some positive affirmations or journal. These little tricks can work wonders on your mind!
And then, all at once, one day it's spring!! :)