Don't get me wrong--I embrace all seasons. However, with the shorter days winter brings each year, it is easy to acquire a case of the "winter blues." Personally, once November comes around, I feel a change in myself. My full energy summer self is slowly but surely replaced by a lethargic, moody monster. Once I recognized this change in myself a couple of years ago, I have learned how to combat it:
1. Not Too Much Netflix
I'll get the hardest one out of the way first. I never thought I would be one of those people whose main goal over winter break is to finish a TV series... yet here I am. I have been determined to finish The Office. (Only one and a half more seasons left! Yay!) However, when I binge watch shows, especially during the day, it makes me feel extremely lazy and guilty, like I should be doing something more productive. So, I'll admit I have indeed been binge watching a TV show, but each time I get that lazy feeling, I get up and do some...wait for it...
2. Exercise
I truly do not like going to the gym. I commend anyone that does. However, I personally believe that there is a type of exercise for everyone, even if the gym scene is not. I love dancing, yoga, Zumba and Tai Chi. I also love taking walks in every season, even in freezing weather. Having a hyper Labrador Retriever like mine also helps me get up and moving!
3. Recall Your Resolutions
Coming from someone who lost a lot of weight in high school, I know firsthand that the easy thing is to say you will embark on your resolution tomorrow, but the truth is, there is no better day than today.
4. Do Not Bottle Up Your Feelings
This is probably the worst thing you can do. It is easy to not want people knowing your true feelings; however, once you bottle up your feelings too much, you can very easily explode. Telling people how you feel is like having a load being lifted off your shoulders. Everyone knows who they feel comfortable opening up to. Keeping a list of these people and knowing when to turn to them is healthy.
5. Do Fun Winter Activities
Instead of seeing the cold and snow as a hindrance, start seeing it as a way to lift your spirits! Ice skating, sledding, snowboarding and other winter related activities are sometimes all you need to start viewing winter in a more positive light.
I am certain that if I can successfully beat the winter blues, you can too!
