How to Cope With the Winter Blues
The pandemic lockdown has made us all well aware of how constricting it is to remain indoors. Unfortunately, with the colder months looming ahead, it’s inevitable that we must once again enjoy the confines of our homes. Below are a few tips to help you cope with winter blues and ensure that being locked inside doesn’t cause psychological problems.
Enjoy Your Body’s Natural Rhythms
During the colder months of the year, our bodies tend to slow down and it only makes sense that you adjust to the slowed-down pace of doing things. Try not to force yourself to do too much activity during this time, and if you feel yourself winding down, find the time to connect with the outdoors. Spend some time hiking a trail or enjoying the scenery in a park. Most importantly, if heading outdoors, make sure you wear winter-appropriate attire and you use your daylight hours wisely.
Keep On Moving!
Embracing the slower pace of winter may seem like a good idea, but make sure you still get up and do some form of exercise. Sitting immobile all winter will mean more aches and pains for you to endure when it comes to moving around again in the springtime.
Keep Tabs On Your Psyche
As winter is a time to enjoy a laid-back slower-paced lifestyle, it is also the perfect time to reflect on your own inner psyche. Take the time to draw or journal how you feel and really reflect on your own emotional well-being. You may also wish to take some time every day to write down one thing you’re thankful for in your life. Knowing what you appreciate and remaining thankful will mean leading a fuller life.
Lastly, do connect with the people that matter the most to you. Just like during lockdown when people used innovative technology to keep connected, use what you learned then to reach out and reinvigorate your relationships. Whether that means reaching out to a friend or a close family member, you can decide for yourself! If you feel that you need the help of a counselor, adult therapy is a good place to start.
Hone A Sense Of Joy
Make a list of at least ten things that you genuinely enjoy doing or make you feel appreciative of the life you have. For some, it may just mean seeing the sunrise every morning. For others, it may mean curling up with a good book or enjoying a glass of wine. It’s the simple things in your life that probably bring you the most joy, which is why you should choose to incorporate these little things into your daily living.
Keep It Real Within Yourself
Winter blues are a normal part of the season, and in a way, you suffer a sense of loss when you can’t do the things you normally do. It is important to recognize and accept how you feel about this, but most importantly, figure out a coping mechanism that can help you move forward. Think of just how wonderful springtime is going to be and use it as motivation to get through the harrowing colder months of the year.
