I didn’t feel the effects of daylight saving time or shorter, colder days growing up. As a child, my bedtime was the same regardless of the time of the sun setting. In college, however, I was always up to go, no matter how cold it was.). Now, as an almost 30-year-old with a full-time job, less energy, and more responsibilities, I’m beginning to feel the negative effects of shorter days. Since I spend most of each day in an office and don’t leave until 5 p.m., I only get a short period of sun in the mornings (that is if it’s not cloudy).
I like to take advantage of the extra daylight in the summer by going for a rooftop glass after work. But in winter, all that I can think of is heading home and crawling into bed. If you live in areas of the world where it is cold, cloudy, or dark at this time of year, there are some tips that might help you make it through spring. Here are five ways I lift myself up when the winter blues get me down.
1. Start a new hobby
In years past, I’ve spent the winter months becoming one with my couch, binging Netflix, and rationing the last of the Christmas cookies. Don’t get me wrong, this is still my idea of a perfect Friday night, but this year, I’ve decided to be a bit more intentional about how I spend my down time. Cross-stitching was something I chose to do instead of scrolling through my phone and lounging on the couch. It was one of my favorite hobbies as a kid and it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it, making it the perfect activity to do while watching TV. Since I started a few weeks ago, I’ve been looking forward to coming home at night to work on my current project. If cross-stitching isn’t calling your name, you could also try adult coloring books, baking, reading, or a hobby for your enneagram. Feeling stuck inside isn’t so bad when you have a something to look forward to at home.
2. Make your home cozy
Hygge is my love language. Therefore, I take pride in having a cozy home even during winter. My mental health can be affected by my environment. I try to keep my home clean, light my favorite candles, and have plenty of blankets to cuddle up with. Even if you’re not a homebody like me, set up your home to have all your favorite things in one place and turn your living space into your own personal sanctuary. You might even enjoy another night at home and look forward to the sun setting at 4:00 p.m.
3. Get up earlier
Okay, let’s hear it. I know getting up at 6 a.m. isn’t easy—especially when it’s cold and the sun has barely risen—but I’ve found that starting my day earlier and getting to bed earlier helps me feel my best through the daylight savings changes. Since it’s dark by the time I leave the office, I like to work out, run errands, or just sit and read by the window in the morning so I can spend as much time as possible soaking up the sunlight. Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms may be improved by getting more light. If you work in an office, or have limited windows until sunset, get up earlier to enjoy the sun.
4. Keep active
If you’re anything like me, your favorite place to be when it’s cold outside (or let’s be honest, any time) is in bed. I often feel lethargic from the desire to snuggle under the covers all the time, combined with the temptation to indulge in less-nutritious holiday treats that leave me feeling lethargic. While resting and recovering are important parts of self-care and the body needs different things during different seasons (AKA if you’re feeling more lethargic this time of year, that’s OK), I know that staying active makes my mind and body feel best. Exercise is an instant mood booster and stress reducer, which we can all use when we’re feeling down during this time of year. If you’re really not feeling like getting off your couch, don’t force yourself into a five-mile jog or intense HIIT class. Instead, bundle up and go on a walk if it’s not too cold outside, do relaxing yoga in your living room, or dance around your kitchen while baking (yes, that counts as exercise too).
5. Make a routine
It’s the middle of winter, which means the holidays are over but spring still feels so far from our reach. All the days start to feel the exact same (cold and monotonous), and it’s easy to fall into a mental health slump.When I feel sluggish, bored, or general unwell, it is a sign that I am becoming sluggish. blahI often go back to my favourite morning and evening routines to stay motivated and calm. Being a Virgo moon, I find it easy to stick to a routine. However, if you find your daily routine too difficult, that is a good thing. RoutineTry to incorporate different practices into your day to make your mornings, afternoons, and self care more enjoyable. A routine that you can stick to can help reduce stress, improve mood, and improve sleep. These are all things we want at this time of the year.
Source: The Every Girl
