Beating the Winter Blues – Top Tips To Boost Your Mood
I personally love the feeling of a New Year, and January happens to be the most eventful month for me. I celebrate my birthday on 14th and my anniversary with Adam on 30th. Factor in birthday celebrations stretching over 2 weekends with family and friends and hitting the ground running at work, and I’ve had plans every day in January.
However, that does not stop the Winter blues from creeping in. Not only is January a post-Christmas comedown for a lot of people, it’s also the dead of Winter. And if you’re not in the UK, let me set the stage for you. There’s very little chance of seeing the sun, it’s dark when you leave for work and dark when you get home, you never know whether you’re waking up to rain, sleet, snow or hail, and of course, it’s bloody freezing.
Less motivation. Less energy. Less enthusiasm.
I’m not one to moan, but even I find myself rolling over in bed some mornings feeling ‘meh’. As positive and proactive as I am in January – with my 2018 goals, getting back to work and lots of social plans – even I get dragged down by the Winter blues. It’s amazing what a lack of sunshine and Vitamin D can do. So here are my top 3 ways to tackle it all…
Hot Drinks
There is something so comforting about a hot drink. It’s like a hug in a mug. On a cold morning, clutching a hot mug of tea and taking the first sip is a small comfort that has a huge impact on my mood. If you’re not a tea or coffee drinker, try different herbal teas such as fruit flavours, peppermint or even hot Ribena! It’s not only cosy, it’ll keep you hydrated which in turn, gives you more energy and mental clarity for your day.
Walks
My Mum calls me a hothouse flower. I’m a sun worshipper, and if I had it my way I’d be warm and bathed in sunshine all day. We’re lucky if we get a few hours of sunshine on a Winter’s day, so make the most of them!
Get all the layers on, wrap up warm, take the dog or your headphones, and head out for a walk. It might feel like the last thing in the world you want to do, but it makes such a difference in your mood, energy levels, sleep pattern, everything. And for those of us who struggle to stay motivated at the gym in Winter, walking is a gentle way to get you moving.
Plan a Night In
Most of us take a night in as a given at this time of year. Sit on our phones, scrolling through social media, half-heartedly watching some random show on telly. Why not make the most of a cold Winter’s night and plan a special night in?
It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It could be something as simple as buying something fancy for tea (M&S Dine in for £10 we love ya), picking up a hot chocolate kit to make, putting the fire on, treating yourself to a new pair of pyjamas, inviting your friends over to watch a film.
A small but intentional boost to your cosy evening in is what makes an average night a great night. Not only that, having small things to look forward to in your day can keep you going when all you want to do is face plant your desk!
Don’t worry guys, Summer is on the horizon – we’ll get there together.
What are your top tips for beating Winter blues and keeping yourself positive and motivated at this time of year?
Love & Good Vibes,
Kat x
