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The Monday Motivator | Beating the Winter Blues

January 14, 2019

The Monday Motivator is a series meant to motivate, encourage, inspire and provide advice on real life stuff.*

It's January 14th, which means we're getting deeper into the heart of winter and all that comes along with it- colder temps and plenty of snow. Along with that, you may be seeing consistent gloomy days, as well as dark evenings.

As long as you're stocked up on hot cocoa and wear plenty of layers, you may think, "there's nothing I can't handle!" But not all of us are as keen to facing winter head-on.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as SAD, is a seasonal depression that occurs at the same time every year. Experiencing fatigue, depression and social withdrawal is common during the winter months. If you live in a cold climate during this time of year, you may have experienced this, especially if you are not winter's number one fan.

Personally, I am NOT winter's number one fan. I enjoy the cold and snow during Christmastime, but after that, I'm usually ready for spring. I can't exactly say that I always experience SAD, but I do become a lot less social and motivated from January until April.

This year, I've been making more of a conscious effort to enjoy winter. Although I've still been a hermit and don't feel like doing much, I have been looking at the brighter side of winter by enjoying little things that make my heart feel warm and my life feel cozy.

I am no expert, but if you are stuck in the winter blues, here are a few things I have found that bring me out of my funk and help me to get the most out of this sometimes dark and dreary season:

CHANGE UP YOUR DECOR
I find that with the change of seasons, my fengshui gets thrown off. Many experience this in the spring, which is what leads to all that spring cleaning. But for me, someone who hates change, I know that change in my space is good, especially when I'm feeling down. Whether it's your bedroom, an apartment or a particular room in your home, try changing up some of the decor. You could rearrange furniture, buy some new artwork for the walls, or do something as simple as adding a candle to your coffee table. If your winter vibes are all about staying at home, a little change can brighten up the place AND brighten your mood.

BUY SOME WINTER GEAR
You know how they say if you buy really cute workout clothes, you'll want to go to the gym? I'm thinking the same is true with winter gear. This year, I decided to buy myself a new pair of snow boots, a new coat and a pair of mittens. Because it's something new, I'm actually excited for the cold so I can wear my coat, and excited for the snow so I can go outside in my boots. It sounds silly, but we all get excited about wearing new things, so a winter shopping spree may be just what you need. The same goes for indoor winter gear; I'm talking fuzzy blankets and warm slippers! You will be so excited to use them that you'll forget how cold you are! New (and affordable) stuff is a great way to lift your spirits. 

GO SOMEWHERE
Although you may be feeling like a homebody, it's good to get out and go somewhere. Spend some time at the library. Read a book and grab a pastry at the local coffee shop. Walk around Target or another store that feels therapeutic. See a movie. Whatever brings you peace, do that. Once you get out, you'll be glad to get your mind somewhere other than the gloominess of winter. It may be cold, but fresh air is good. Don't worry- your blanket will be waiting for you as soon as you get home!

FIND SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT
It's very important to have something to look forward to during the winter. It is much easier to focus on the negative aspects of the season if you don't. By finding something to get excited about, you have something to plan and/or count down the days until. Plan a trip for the spring OR you can even plan a trip for right now. Go somewhere warm if you need it, or stay local and do some fun winter activities like skiing or ice skating. If you don't have the time or can't afford to take a trip, find something different that gets you excited. Maybe it's planning a night out with your girls, or buying tickets to a musical. Find something that you can't wait for! It will help pass the time.

KNOW IT'S OKAY TO HIBERNATE
Most importantly, don't feel guilty for wanting to shut yourself in; it's a normal winter feeling. I love keeping to myself this time of year, and if I don't feel like going out, I'll be honest about it. Find a healthy balance between hibernating and communicating with others. If you don't feel like going out with your friends over the weekend, that's okay. Make time to call/text to let them know you're still thinking about them. Be honest about what you're feeling; there's no shame in that game.

I personally feel we need extra self-care during the winter months. It can be difficult to lift yourself up when the outside world seems so down. I hope these ideas can help cure your winter blues and carry you through until the flowers bloom again.

We're in it together,

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