Winter Got You Down? 11 Ways to Nourish Your Spirit Got the winter blahs? You’re not alone. With the holidays behind us, and cooler days ahead, this time of year can be rough, especially for women. Banish winter blues with these nourishing self-care tips.
Rest. Taking time to rest is good for your health — and can help protect you from flu, colds and other winter ailments. Treat yourself to a nap, early bedtime, or simply close your eyes for 15 minutes.
Christa Melnyk Hines
together will make a difference in your outlook. Give. Big or small, doing something kind for someone is always uplifting. Surprise an acquaintance with a thoughtful note, mail a funny card to a friend, volunteer for an organization you admire or deliver dessert to a new neighbor.
r Tip: Pay for the customer behind you in the drive-thru or at your favorite coffee shop. Exercise. Take a walk. Fresh air, sunlight and time in nature can effectively lift a damp mood.
r Tip: Healthy living includes feeding your body well. Choose colorful berries, winter vegetables and comforting soups.
r Tips: Are worries keeping you awake? Write them in a journal daily, along with three things you’re grateful for. Spray lavender essential oil mixed with water on your pillow before bed.
Play. Have an impromptu dance party with the kids, plan a game night or do a Pinterest project together.
Collect inspiration. Keep feel-good comments people share with you and read them when you’re down. Make a Pinterest board with things that raise your spirits, such as inspiring quotes or comforting recipes.
page 20 and find fun craft ideas at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/ crafts-for-kids.
r Tip: Start a Joy Jar. Include notes from
friends, favorite photos, uplifting quotes, funny quips from the kids and daily gratitudes. Disconnect. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that emotionally charged posts on social media can influence mood. If you feel bummed or drained after spending time on social media, unfollow negative individuals or groups, disable constant news notifications, and be aware of the types of posts you click and share.
r Tip: Take weekly social media
sabbaths and establish daily time limits to regain control. Curb social media use by downloading an app like Space, Freedom or App Detox. Get away. Plan a trip to buoy low spirits. Get great destination ideas at www .sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/travel.
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r Tip: Get more family play ideas on r Tip: If you don’t have time for extended travel, schedule an overnight retreat somewhere to recharge.
Read. From inspiring memoirs, humorous essays to page-turning novels, curl up with a book and a warm beverage.
r Tip: Follow your favorite authors online for quick hits of inspiration.
Relax. A warm, soothing bath with candles and lavender Epsom salts is a nice way to relax.
r Tip: Create a playlist of relaxing
music. Listening even a few minutes a day interrupts the loop of negative, anxietyprovoking thoughts. Spend time with friends. Good conversation that goes beyond small talk provides a strong sense of connection with others — and it’s good for you. Time with friends helps boost immune systems and decrease stress. Bonus: being with people who make you laugh out loud helps.
r Tip: Contact a friend today to schedule coffee, breakfast or lunch. Even an hour
Declutter. Feeling stuck and bogged down? Begin decluttering your home to immediately feel lighter. Start with things that are damaged, don’t fit or no longer bring you joy.
r Tip: Grab a bag and remove something from each room that you’re ready to donate or discard.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects 10 million Americans. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, weight gain, sleepiness, low energy, and withdrawal from social situations. Depression and anxiety are serious health conditions. Consult your physician if feelings persist. v Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She believes nourishing selfcare is key to winter time sanity.