Heck, we’ve just passed the Winter Solstice, which means we’ve gotten past the shortest day of the year, but there’s still another 2 months of short days, cooler terms and gloomy skies.
Your favourite bathers and glorious sun-kissed tans are still a while off… BUT! You don’t have to succumb to winter blues. Nuh-uh, not on our watch.
Now, get out those boxing gloves and let’s beat the chilliest months of the year.
Get physical
First things first, we’re not telling you to wake up at the crack of dawn and do an intense boot camp. But between us, getting your sweat on can shake those blues faster than you can say pass-me-a-pina-colada. Working out increases your endorphins which improves our mood. But, it doesn’t have to be intense. Lower-energy activities like a brisk walk on the beach (yes, you can go to the beach in winter! Just rug up!), or the treadmill (if it really is too cold outside) or a yoga class will still improve your mood and energy levels bar mone.
Let there be light
With the short winter days and the clouds dumping rain every five seconds, the reality is you’re not seeing as much daylight as you should. So for those days when your body is craving sunshine; opening the blinds or investing in a light box can do you the world of good.
Investing in a dawn simulator, can also help you wake up easier and get up and out of your funk. Dawn simulators work to gradually brighten your room making it easier to wake up, and can darken your surroundings to let your body know it’s bed time too. Clever, hey?
Catching enough ZZZs?
This has to be our fave tip so far! Ensuring you’re getting enough shut eye, could improve your mood and lower your stress levels. Our brains need adequate rest and relaxation to regulate our emotions and thought processes the following day.
To avoid waking up crabby and hitting snooze a million times, make sure your environment is quiet and relaxing. Cracking down on screen time in exchange for a book will help you fall asleep quicker, sleep deeper and feeling refreshed in the morning. Even using relaxing scents and lotions (aka. Lavender or anything that calms your senses) will help you unwind.
Daydreamin'
You’re in the dumps, and longing for a slither of sunshine. Have you thought about where you’re heading next? What beaches are you sleeping on, in your daydreams? Our spirits are lifted much higher when a holiday is on the horizons. Look above and beyond and book that dream holiday, you’re picturing right now.
Hip hip hooray for health
We get it! Comfort food is essentially what winter is all about; but wait. Those foods that you crave could be doing you so much more harm than good, foods high in sugar and carbohydrates may give you the temporary fix you need but always send you crashing from the high. Eating clean and healthier foods, like warming soups and nourishing vegan curries, will give you energy and relieve anxiety while boosting your mood.
