How To Beat The Winter Blues
There are many reasons I am writing this post today. On Monday it was Blue Monday, which is labeled the most depressing day of the year. Rob read to me that the most amount of snowfall to hit in the world is in BC, a province which usually gets skipped by winter all together. And, with it being a snow day here at home, we calculated that since Christmas break started, Aubrey has only been to school 5 times. I mean, there is no wonder that I am only just now climbing out of this funk I have been in since the holidays.But, how do you beat the funk? As I have chatted about on here many times over the past 5 years, I have been diagnosed back in middle school with Seasonal Affective Disorder. My body doesn't hold onto vitamin D like most, and our bodies don't naturally produce it either. We are totally reliant on supplying it for ourselves through outside activity, supplements, and the foods that we eat. And when you lack that vitamin D, it SUCKS! I remember sleeping away my childhood because not only was I being bullied, but having S.A.D made it seem worse and caused me to become lethargic. I would crawl into my bed after school and only come out for dinner.But, you don't need Seasonal Affective Disorder to get the winter blues. Anyone can become anxious this time of year. So how do we stay on top of it and beat it? especially because us moms really can't go hid in bed all day ( although I am sure most of us want to)
How To Beat The Winter Blues
Get Outside
Whether it's a walk or snowshoe alone, or playing in the snow with your kids, GET OUT OF THE DARN HO-- -- USE AND GET SOME FRESH AIR! One of my favorite things to do with the kids, besides the obvious snowman, sledding etc, is making snow cones with a little fresh snow in a cup topped with some juice. The best juice for this is the thicker type that comes in Tetrapacks. That way, even when the snow melts, the flavor is still there and is all natural. If you are in Nova Scotia, my last post covers some other fun things to do outside.
Supplement
Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and easy to take as they are usually a very small capsule. I would chat with your family doctor or naturopath to figure out a good dose for you. We tend to double ours through the winter months to get ourselves through.
Think Positive
One thing that can happen from the winter blues is to start thinking negatively about your surroundings, be it work or your spouse. I know the whole think positive when you are in that state of mind can seem hard and not possible but focus on the little things that you love. Start focusing more on yourself and when your mind starts to wander to bad, name of 5 good things that are happening right that minute. Yes you may need to dive deep and they may seem small, but as long as you have 5, you will find your mind will start focusing on the positive.
Set Achievable goals
Ok, this one is major. I talked about this in my new year's post and it means so much. Setting goals that are easily achievable throughout the winter will keep you plugging along. Whether its going to bed by 9:30 every night for 4 weeks, or closing all the rings on your Apple watch for a week, set them, and celebrate them with a little gift to yourself. Those small things will add up to one big positive sandwich!
Plan Something To Be Excited About
A trip down south, a marathon, visiting a friend, get something on the calendar to be excited for. Something that will keep you chugging. DO IT NOW!
Eat Healthily
This is my last tip, and maybe the most important. After eating freely over the holidays, our bodies are lacking in so many vitamins, our weight has gone up (never good for our mood) and our brains can feel it mentally. By getting your eating back on track, limiting processed foods, bad sugars and even carbs, focusing on vitamin-rich fruits and veg with a proper serving of protein, your mood will thank you. Your body will thank you. I know it probably is a bit of a broken record, but until you have cleaned up your diet, those blues will stick around. So, fall into the stereotypical eating clean after the new years and see why people do it.