Winter can be hard…the snow, the cold, the darkness. I have an especially hard time during this season. Instead of making it harder for myself, I decided to come up with some positive ways to get myself out of a rut.
1. Show up for yourself.
I had a hard time with this one for a long time, especially when my kids were in the infant and toddler stages. I always felt like if I wasn’t spending every second with them, tending to their needs, that I was being selfish. I then realized that this was very unhealthy, and if I wasn’t taking care of myself, I wasn’t going to be the happy mom that I always wanted to be. I started small and, little by little, carved out time for myself, even if it was only an uninterrupted shower.
2. Make that appointment.
I am not the type to really treat myself often, but before kids, that was a different story! I loved designer bags, shoes, and jeans, and had no problem telling myself that since I worked hard, I deserved all my shopping sprees. After the kids, it was a different story. Spending money on myself made me feel guilty, especially if it was for getting my hair or nails done. A massage or facial – forget it!
I felt that my money could be better spent on something for the kids. I didn’t realize that going from taking such good care of myself, mentally and physically, to only having a ten-second bathroom break for myself over the last ten years was starting to wear on me. So, my husband bought me a gift card to a local salon this past Christmas, and I couldn’t wait to use it.
I decided to make an appointment for a massage. What better way to show myself some love?! It was glorious, especially since there was no guilt associated with it. It legitimately lifted my mood the second I got there, and I couldn’t put a price on the relaxation and self-care that came with it.
3. Lunch with girlfriends.
After my massage, I met up with my best girlfriends for brunch. This was much-needed therapy with a side of warm bread, and it was exactly what I needed. Girl talk, laughs, and a French martini really uplifted my winter blues. I felt like I was coming back to myself and that my seasonal depression was lifting. I can guarantee that quality time with friends rarely fails.
4. Switch up your health and wellness routine.
I will admit that this winter I was not as focused on my workouts as I usually am. I used to ride my Peloton and take classes, which always led to a great sweat session. But since I went back to work as a teacher, I have been a bit more tired. So I would get on the bike much less. And when I did, I would put on Netflix and pedal. I was moving, but I wasn’t sweating, and I told myself something was better than nothing.
Cut to six months later, and some extra pounds, I wasn’t feeling too great about myself. Especially since I also had been back to my naughty ways of eating Nutella out of the jar with a spoon. Recently, I added more strength training to my routine, and I am trying to learn new core exercises to hopefully combat what three kids did to my once-flat stomach. I will let you all know how it works out. But perimenopause is creeping around and making my goals a bit harder to achieve. Even so, I have felt much better about myself by making small changes to my diet and workout routine.
5. Get outside and walk.
I have been trying to do this at least once a week, either before or after dinner. It’s harder to with the cold weather and darkness of winter, but I am hoping to get out there for more neighborhood walks as the weather warms up. I even encourage the kids, and they often ask me if they can go, too!
6. Plan a trip.
This was a big one! Before I had my kids, I went away any time I had a chance or a break from work. It’s obviously harder now when you have to take three kids and make sure the schedules align. For the last two years or so, I have been itching to take my kids on a memorable trip and have been telling myself to plan it.
So, I finally booked a trip to Orlando with the kids, and I have been so excited to go. We started a countdown to sunshine, and my mindset has changed tremendously. Every time it snows, I remind myself that sooner or later I will be getting my much-needed dose of vitamin D!
7. Journal.
Get a book, open your laptop, whatever! Start your gratitude journal. I promise it will change your perspective.
8. Buy something new.
Treat yourself to that new body lotion you have been wanting to try.
9. Help someone in need.
This speaks for itself. Go on, volunteer with your family or help a friend or family member in need in a way that works for you. Donate clothes, food, lend a listening ear – anything that will be a positive change in someone’s life.
Any of the above ideas will help beat the winter blues. Start small and try one, or try them all!
