How To Survive the Winter Blues - Part III
As the colder months draw near, for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it’s not uncommon for us to experience winter blues, or SAD from time to time. This is the third and final part of a series, with ideas to bring into your daily routine to offer additional support to see you through the colder months. If you missed part one you can access it here. The next four ideas to help ride the winter waves:
9. Movement. Your body responds to movement. During the winter we tend to be less active. It’s colder and we like to hibernate, especially if living in what feels like arctic temperatures. Here’s how to bring more movement into your life during the winter:
Create a plan, write it down, and write down your intention for why you’re creating this plan. “To feel great”, “To be healthy and vibrant”, “To enjoy all the holiday parties without guilt of eating and drinking too much!” Whatever your reason, consider why you are doing it and write it down at the top of your plan. When things get a little bumpy and feel like giving up look at that reason and because you chose the reason and no-one else gave it to you, you are more likely to stick to it, or get back to your plan.
With your plan written down there is more likelihood you’ll achieve it. There is 42% more chance you’ll hit your plan if you write it down.
Sign up for exercise class promotions.
Create a bit of team competition at work, the person who takes the most exercise classes in a month is the winner - and you all decide what the prize is! (and how to keep track who goes to what exercise class… )
Prebook your exercise classes.
Buy a series of classes or sessions upfront.
Start something new that you’ve never done - your curiosity can help you stick to it. I’m about to embark on boxing! (never, ever thought I’d do this)
Partner up with a buddy.
Give yourself a membership treat to a gym you’ve wanted to try but haven’t been to, see what holiday promotions they’re running. If you want variety have a look at Zeamo which gives you access to thousands of gyms across the U.S. and some internationally too. We’ve tried it and are very impressed - the Mercedes Club in Manhattan is worth the experience.
10. Nature has something to offer us in every season. Your immune system responds to being surrounded by nature, and your entire body is enlivened as a result. As much as you might not want to, encourage yourself to walk more, get outside, go to parks and gardens, explore hidden treasures.
Take a brisk walk at lunchtime.
Walk to and from work if you can - yes even if it is minus 20 C (-4F) outside. It is an invigorating feeling to wrap up warm, pop that hat, scarf, gloves and multiple layers on, and head out into the cold air. (Remember to protect yourself from the elements and do your research about being out and about in subzero temperatures.) Your reward is coming inside to a warm cup of tea, or hot water and lemon, and feeling the glow which can create motivation, renew your spirit, give you new ideas, and clear your mind from clutter and nuisances.
Back at home, if you’re lucky enough to have a fire, light it and create a warming environment, or improvise and put on your favorite digital fireplace, light a fireside candle and feel all toasty and cosy.
No matter how long you are outside moving, your body will thank you for it and for the fresh air too. It’ll respond with cells that are happy, the endorphins will fly, and your ideas, inspirations and clarity of thoughts will come to you.
You’ll be amazed at how walking can be meditation for many people. You might not be into meditation of the sitting still variety, but when you feel the presence of walking, and create rhythm and flow in your body, that can be your body’s way of meditating and releasing pressure in your entire system. Find your flow, experiment with what works for you.
11. Team up. It can be harder to get going when you feel like you’re alone, so find a friend, or colleague, who is up for the winter challenge too.
With a partner in crime it can lighten the load on the tougher days.
Communicate your plans with friends, family, and colleagues. By doing this you set expectations for both yourself and them - it’s easier to say no thank you to drinks after work, or to ask for a mocktail instead of alcohol, or to suggest an exercise class instead of going to a restaurant together.
If you live with others share with them what you are planning, if they don’t join you that’s ok, this is your journey and you are setting up healthy boundaries for yourself.
Cooking hundreds of different meals for everyone in the household simply isn’t realistic, so one option is to rope someone else in to help to prepare food for the wider family if you’re the only one planning to switch up your food choices.
Remember, change can trigger people and introduce resistance from others. Not that you need to expect this, but if it happens just remember that the resistance you experience from family members, friends, or work colleagues is usually based on their own beliefs about themselves, not about you. You are you, and if it feels right for you, persevere.
Your body is the only home you live in for life so it’s worth the effort to keep it healthy and vibrant. On the plus side we see that when one person starts something others usually want to get involved - for some encouragement watch this video, so don’t be surprised if you find buddies coming out the wood work who want to do what you are doing.
12. Be kind on yourself. Finally, last but certainly not least, we tend to be our own worst critics, so if you can’t manage movement, the gym, or being outside, can’t find the energy to cook, and your food and beverage choices are just not what you want them to be…
Just accept where you are at and release any thoughts of guilt or frustration.
The more you make yourself wrong the harder things become, introduce some compassion for yourself, go with the flow and gently remind yourself that it’s ok and you’ll find your rhythm when you’re ready.
What Now?
Having read these additional ideas, pick one (or all of them if that feels good to you) and introduce it into your routine this week. See how you get on with it. Notice what happens, how do you feel? What resistance comes up? Is it hard? That’s ok, it means you’re growing and evolving yourself into a new state. Changes in our routines can take time, and they feel uncomfortable to begin with. It’s also important to note that sometimes you won’t notice anything immediately, what you’re doing is changing your state to ride the winter months, by doing this you are supporting your body to function optimally. Remind yourself why you’re doing this - to move through the winter feeling and being as healthy and as vibrant as you can and to treat your body gently with kindness and thoughtfulness.
If you missed the first two parts of “How to Survive the Winter Blues” you can read the other insights here:
Please note these are not medically advised guidelines, or paid for product recommendations, they are inspirations and ideas we have established through practice, observations, use, and or conversations. As always, we recommend you trust your own instincts, conduct your own research, and if you feel you need or want medical advice seek that. Step forward gently, release fear, trust your instincts, and go with love. We wish you well.
