Are you finding the dreary winter days tough? ☔

On some of these cold, wet & windy days, it can feel like it’s been winter forever! Logically, we know that spring will be on its way, and that autumn happened not too long ago, but sometimes it’s difficult to shake the sensation that it’s been cold, grey & dark for ages. It can wear us down and leave us with the desire to do nothing more than curl under the blankets and refuse to emerge until spring.

Many of us can simply be burned out from Christmas & New Year, end-of-the-year projects, and a serious lack of Summer fun, these winter blues can actually be indicative of something more serious.

It is worth remembering that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects up to 10 million individuals during the dark winter months, leaving them feeling depressed until the days become longer and sunnier. If you think you may suffer from SAD, speak with a medical professional.

For less severe winter blues, there’s still plenty you can do yourself. Here are some tips and tricks for fighting the melancholy during those damp and dreary months.

1. Meditate

Getting stuck in your own head, particularly when thoughts are sad or anxious, can often result in a bad mood spiral. Trying not to get bogged down by negativity is often easier said than done, unless you have the right tools at your disposal.
A little meditation can do wonders for your mood by clearing your mind and letting you start off fresh. It can quiet your anxiety, elevate your attitude, and give you the motivation you need to get through this winter season. And if your focus has suffered due to the midwinter blues, even a short 10-minute meditation exercise may boost your mood, lift your spirits, or just make you feel a little more prepared to step outside in that cold winter sludge.

2. Take care of yourself

3. Focus on others

Instead of getting bogged down by how cold it is or how much you don’t want to do anything, try turning your thoughts to others. After all, they’re stuck in this unpleasant weather too, and it’s been shown that being kind to others can improve your mood. Communicate with the people in your life. See if they’re struggling, or if they’ve worked out ways to cope. Even if their ideas don’t work for you, talking about the midwinter blues can keep them from seeming overwhelming.

 

4. Shake it up

Be mindful of how your mood changes through the day. Do you wake up cheerful, only to slump by the end of the day? Do you have the doldrums before you even roll out of bed? Now’s the time to try changing up your routine. Sometimes getting stuck in a rut can make us feel trapped (particularly when the weather isn’t exactly providing a mood boost).
If your routine is wearing you down and leaving you grumpy, make some modifications. Try exercising in the morning instead of the evening, or starting the day with a quick meditation exercise. See what pumps you up and gets you through the day, and what isn’t working. Even the trial and error part of the process can keep you focused and feeling better.

 

5. Keep Perspective

Winter is a particularly rough time for some people. Try not to beat yourself up about it, or tear yourself down for feeling bad. Be mindful of your physical and mental well-being, and seek out help if you need it. Spring sunshine is on the horizon!

 

References: https://www.headspace.com/articles/mid-winter-blues

 

 
 

Our final tip is to book in on our
Beat the Winter Blues Mini Retreat!

 

January can be a challenging time with low moods, pressure to lose weight, make healthier resolutions, for some it feels like still catching up after Christmas.

How about we start the new year making simple positive changes which over time can help to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, low mood and help to manage stress in a better way.

Join us for our mini retreat to learn healthier and more effective ways of coping with stressful or difficult situations where we will:

• get mindfully creative (don’t worry you don’t need to be skilled at this)
• move the body in a way to restore the body and mind
• learn tools to manage stress better
• relax in a calming soundbath to switch off the mind and body

 

We will provide all equipment, coffee, tea and snacks but please bring your own nut free lunch with you. Please also bring a blanket, cushion and pair of comfy walking shoes. Wear clothes that are comfy and stretchy.

Step away from the everyday and feel calm, relaxed, healthier and happier.