It’s the first week of December in Chicago. We’ve already had a good share of freezing temps, blowing snow and Chicago’s parking dilemmas. And for people like me, I’ve already started battling the winter blues. It never fails. Every winter or late fall. I have to prepare myself and actively get into a better mood. Colder and shorter days just make me feel so blahhhh. Just think. The warm summer days abruptly turned into cold, wintry dreary days. My gardening days abruptly end. Headed to the track for a walk or run or sitting on the patio for a little sunshine is almost impossible. There is cold and wet blowing rain and snow, messy roads, dirty sidewalks everywhere.
It’s hard to explain but it just sends me into a funk! Here are a few of my symptoms.
My Symptoms
More Tired- I can get the same amount of sleep and do the same amount or less work than I normally do and I still feel fatigued and tired.
Slight Weight Gain- Even with maintaining my daily workout habits and eating well, I still seem to either gain weight or struggle to lose weight.
Overall Motivations Stalls a Bit- I always have tons of ideas and tons of things I want to do around the house, in my business, with my personal beauty regimens or with my family and friends. But when it’s this time of the year, All I really want to do deep down is Not leave my house and stay in the bed tucked in some covers.
How I Actively Beat Winter Blues
Get exercise in first thing in the morning.– Working out and stretching early makes me feel good. Studies of the brain show that regular exercise helps with memory and focus. And exercise stimulates production and release of mood boosting chemicals like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. I believe it. I actually feel so good immediately after my workouts so I try my very best (no matter how I feel) to get my workout in every morning before I start my day.
Make sure I take multivitamin and boost my Vitamin D. I am usually anemic and despite getting out in the sun, the Drs. say my vitamin D levels are low. So especially during the winter months, I make sure to take a multivitamin daily and take my weekly vitamin D. I know it won’t prevent cancer and it doesn’t replace healthy eating but it does fill a slight nutritional gap.
Wear Bright Colors
I just feel better in oranges, yellow and bright pinks and purples. Whether its clothing, shoes or even nail polish and lip gloss. It’s like an instant mood booster when I walk by the mirror and see all that color! It all helps! See my faves here.
Talk to and spend more time with positive people.
Duhhh but for real. It’s hard enough spending lots of time with negative people with the “woe is me and my life attitude.” They sap your energy on your good days. So just imagine what they do on your ‘not so good days.’ Yikes! No thank you! All of us have problems and current challenges. Each and everyone of us do. It’s way better to be purposely surrounded by people who are actively tackling their issues with positive forward momentum and not those who blame the whole world for their life. I. CANNOT. SAY. THIS. ENOUGH.
Take on a new task/class/project.
Yep! I figure why not learn something and delight myself. So I’ve decided to find another swim class and put some energy into learning to sew a few hours each week with my daughter. Learning something new or dedicating some time to a new project or class, gives you something else to focus on.
I’m far from a medical professional. These are a few quick tips on how I deal with winter blues. Once I get into a good rhythm, winter is over and spring arrives with a little more sunshine and warmth. But, if it doesn’t come quick enough, I sometimes convince my husband to find us a flight to somewhere sunny for a few days. Hope this helps!!
