5 Ways to Help You Beat Those Winter Blues
January and February can be pretty rough. Winter is in full swing, it feels like there's no end in sight, and can make you feel a little blue. Here's what you can do when those feelings set in...
1 - Get as Much Sunshine as You Can: Yes, the sun hides from us throughout January, February, and even the first few weeks of March, but we do get a few days of sunshine. When those days hit, soak it up. It doesn't mean you have to go outside and freeze while trying to get that Vitamin D, just open up the blinds in your home or office. Move a chair to where the rays are coming in and read a book. Stand in the light. Or go for a drive so you can feel the sunshine, even if you're not directly in it.
2 - Keep Moving: Easier said than done, we know, but it will definitely benefit you. This time of the year, it's easy to get lazy, not want to leave the house, and basically hibernate. Fight those feelings. It can be as simple as stretching in the morning to heading to the gym for an hour. Every little bit of extra movement helps and will keep you from getting too sluggish. When you get too sluggish, you're more likely to succumb to those "winter blues."
3 - Plan a Trip: We're not saying take a trip to Hawaii when it's cold (although that does sound nice). If you don't have the money set aside, going on vacation during the winter months can be nearly impossible. Instead, focus on a trip you know you're going to take. Do you know you're going to spend a weekend camping in the Adirondacks sometime in summer? Start planning that trip. Book where you want to go, when you want to go. Start thinking about all the fun you'll have, the adventures you'll go on, and soaking up all that sunshine. And if you're not going camping, think of another trip you know you want to take and start planning that. Give yourself something to look forward to once the weather starts turning nice. Plus, it's a good distraction from the cold, brutal Central New York weather we have to deal with for the next couple of months.
4 - Make a Delicious, Hot Meal: Sure, this definitely won't distract you from the fact that it's still winter, but it will make you feel good. Make it a family event, have everyone help with dinner (or maybe get the kids to clean up a little bit as you're making dinner). Pick a favorite homemade soup, or even some extra spicy chicken riggies to help really warm you up. There's just something about a hot meal, and eating together as a family, that just warms your heart and soul.
5 - Remember Spring is on Its Way: We're to the halfway point of January, which means soon it will be February. February is a shorter month, but even those few less days make it easier to get through, then it's March. Once March hits we KNOW spring is coming. You can feel it in the air (even if it is still cold). Spring is just weeks away, it may feel like it will be a battle to get there, but it will get here. We just have to be patient.
We hope these tips help you get through the next few weeks. Good luck, and let's kiss those winter blues goodbye.