Self Care Tips To Fight Winter Blues

Like clockwork, I always seem to find myself feeling a little down and blue during the Winter months – oddly enough right around the holidays. I never understand it but I seemed to have picked up on a few things that help me get out of the “unfestive” funk. I’d like to share some of these self-care tips with you today!

1. LET IN SOME LIGHT – December always comes with less sun and more grey. It naturally effects your mood in a not so positive way so one of the best ways to combat that is to let in as much natural light as you can! Find the peek daylight times and go for a short walk or a short drive. If you cannot go outside, open your blinds and try to stay in rooms where it’s best lit. Can’t come across natural light easily? Consider light therapy via a light box.
2. KEEP YOUR BODY ACTIVE – A brisk walk or a full exercise routine will help release endorphins to help boost your mood. I like using ClassPass to find virtual or in class workouts during the exact time that I’m starting to feel a funk.
3. EAT HEALTHIER MEALS – It seems like my diet goes from well balanced to a complete shit show the moment Thanksgiving arrives and naturally goes downhill as the holidays continue. From Christmas treats and cakes and desserts, it’s no wonder the spikes in my blood sugar create chaos with my moods. Up the proteins to feel fuller during meals and avoid snacking on the Christmas Crack. Up the Vitamin D to help balance your mood.
4. GIVE YOURSELF A TASK – Keeping your mind occupied on something other than your mood may actually help regulate it. Don’t overwhelm yourself, though! Check out my post on Decluttering For the Holidays for a few easy tips to keeping your home clutter free!
5. TURN ON THE TUNES – Find an upbeat playlist to help brighten your mood. I don’t mean Christmas tunes, because damnit… sometimes that has the opposite effect. Is it just me or some of these Christmas songs just too slow, sad and depressing? Motown puts me in a better mood. Try there!
6. SEE A THERAPIST – Let’s face it, sometimes you try all of these things and just want to sit in your car and cry. I get it. Call a therapist. Seasonal depression is a thing and a licensed professional can help see you through it!

Un Besito,

Rocío