Let the shifting on the seasons remind you nothing is meant to bloom all the time. - Unknown
This week certainly got colder in Maryland, adding to the post-Thanksgiving blues I typically have each year. The break from reality and time with family is over and it’s back to work, school, the usual routine, etc. At the start of the week, I was lacking in motivation and energy, and then feeling down that I was lacking in motivation and energy. I struggled to get back into the swing of things.
Then I remembered this quote and I love, love, love that it serves as a reminder that we, our bodies and spirits, are energetically connected to the rhythms and cycles of nature. It’s almost like the colder season reminds us it’s time to recharge and gives all of us permission to slow down and rest.
I feel comforted knowing it’s time to slooow down. Winter is the time to unplug, rejuvenate, and take care of yourself too (not just others!). There will always be something to do, and sometimes our modern lifestyle makes it hard, but give yourself permission to rest and unwind this season.
Life is all about growing and doing, but it needs to be balanced with periods of quiet and recharge before the bloom.
Remember, no matter what season you are in, they are equally as important, even if one, at times might appear more beautiful than the other. You can find beauty and value in every season. Allow yourself to be in harmony with all the seasons and aspects of yourself - your contentment, happiness, and creativity will truly flourish.
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is real and can bring you down during the colder and shorter days. There are some things that may help!
Tips to Beat the Winter Blues:
Vitamin D3
It’s both a vitamin and a hormone—due to the effects it has on hormones in the body, it’s thought to affect your mood by improving your sense of well-being
Vitamin D can be highly effective in high doses, such as 1000 - 5000 IU for SAD.
Vitamin D levels can be checked by a simple blood test— talk to your doctor
Use of light therapy or sunlamp
Easy to use/travel with (portable and rechargeable)
Available on Amazon
Place at midriff 20 to 30 inches from face
Use at least 15 minutes per day
Helps treat the cause of SAD (lack of sunlight)
Don’t fight it - rest, hibernate
Go to bed early, movie binges, say no to too many activities/making other people happy instead of yourself, take days off
Warm foods (soups, crock pots)
- Go outside to get sun/fresh air
See comedy shows like improv and stand-up (when safe due to COVID) or watch a funny movie
Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress
Triggers the release of endorphins
Laughing with others is even more powerful than laughing alone
Movement every day that gets you sweaty
Great looking winter clothes so you don’t feel dumpy
Take a sunny vacation (when it’s safe due to COVID)
Gives you something to look forward to and to plan for
Scheduled time to rest and have fun with your spouse, family, and/or friends - a break from reality!
Treat yourself to something you enjoy and don’t always have time for
Bake cookies, cook your favorite comfort food with a healthy twist, drink hot chocolate with whipped cream, read a book, take a bath, get a massage or pedicure, do a puzzle with your spouse/children/friend, etc. Whatever will give you pleasure!