By Shelley Abrams
“It seems like everything sleeps in winter, but it’s really a time of renewal and reflection.”
– Elizabeth Camden, Until The Dawn
Winter is a time of beauty and awe. Add to it the colorful displays and bright lights of the holiday season along with the spirit of helping others less fortunate than you, and it can literally fill your heart with joy and a sense of connectedness with others. But… for many people, underneath it all (or perhaps even overshadowing it) lies the blues, a sense of dread and overwhelming stress. You know, The Winter Blahs!
It is fairly common to feel blue during the winter, with so little sun in some regions, cold temperatures and short days. And the everyday busyness seems to be compounded by the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the holidays, whether you’re staying home or traveling to see family or friends, shopping, cooking and eating in or dining out. These things can sap our strength, our energy and often our spirt! It’s easy to feel like you can’t get it all done, that you’re out of control. But you’re not!
You are in control. You don’t have to let those winter blahs be your reality! There are several things you can do, mindfulness techniques, to help beat the blues and stress and rekindle that winter awe and holiday spirit.
- Turn up the music. Music lifts the spirit, especially music with a good vibe and cheery lyrics. Studies show music can significantly impact one’s feelings, and if you listen to something upbeat it will lift your spirits. I can speak first hand to this! When I’m feeling blue I put on a little Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, or Phil Collins and start dancing and singing away. Instant Mood Lift! So go on. Put on your favorite tunes, warble at the top of your lungs and dance all around the house. You’ll feel instantly better.
- Laugh. Experts, and ancient philosophers, say that laughter is the best medicine. It raises your endorphins and reduces your stress hormones. It even helps your immune system work better. So read or watch something that gives you a good, out-loud, almost roll-on-the-floor belly laugh. You know the kind… the ones that almost (or do) make you laugh so hard you cry. And if you can share that laughter with a friend or loved ones, even better!
- Commune with Nature. I know. We’re talking winter here. Snow, ice, cold! But just getting outside, talking a walk in the woods or spend time looking out over the ocean or the close-by lake, and observing nature all around you, will perk you up and lower stress. And just like any other time of the year, taking a little break to commune with nature can help you re-focus before getting back to your busyness!
- Journal. Have you ever done a brain dump? Try it. It can really help free your mind and get rid of all that clutter and negative thinking that’s causing you the stress and overwhelm in the first place. It doesn’t have to be anything formal. When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a moment to scribble down all your thoughts – on anything available. Your journal, a notebook you carry in your purse or briefcase, a scrap piece of paper you rummaged for and found, or even the back of an envelope. Write it down, let it flow and don’t edit. Don’t even go back and read it (at least not right away). Just get it out, take a deep breath and go back to doing whatever you were doing before. If you want, you can read it later – who knows, maybe you came up with that next great thing the world needs!
- Re-center. We need to turn off our minds, even if just for a few minutes, every day if possible. Get away from the electronics, and the noisy world. Meditate, contemplate or read something inspirational. Take deep breaths. Just do something that quiets your mind and restores calmness. Ideally, if you can spend 15 to 30 minutes doing this, you will refresh your mind and soul and feel ready for any challenges the day may bring.
- Shake Your Booty. Physically moving your body is a great mood-buster. Go for a quick walk or run, or do some jumping jacks in the living room. Or jitter and jive to those groovy tunes you put on earlier. Just move! It helps break up your day and your mood.
- Apply Acupressure. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicinal remedy. When it comes to easing tension and stress, particularly in your upper body and shoulders, you can apply acupressure to the Hoku Point of your body. How? When you start to feel tension or overwhelm, squeeze the fleshy part of your hand, between your index finger and your thumb, and hold it for about 30 seconds. Then take a deep breath and let go.
- Re-evaluate. If you’re thinking or reacting negatively to a situation or person, stop! Immediately try thinking of something positive, something happy. Or look for the good in the situation you’re in that is causing you the stress. Stop and ask yourself why you are doing what you’re doing. Get back to the reason yowallpapersxl-mistress-winter-fun-1889844-460pxu’re doing something and feel re-energized about it. If you can turn your thoughts around, you can turn your mood around and put yourself in control rather than letting the situation or person control you.
- Supplement. I know, I know.This isn’t really mindfulness. But, it can help. Take your Vitamin D3; it’s critical for the body and helps those blues, especially if you live in the northern regions of the country. And Shaklee’s Mood Lift is amazing. Use it all winter, every day, and you will notice a difference. It really does help with those shorter, often darker (constant clouds in the sky or clouds in your mind – your choice) days of winter, by boosting your energy and defeating the doldrums. I find Shaklee’s Stress Relief Tablets also helps, especially if I combine it with the Mood Lift.
Remember, this too shall pass. Winter and the holidays are fleeting. Take it day by day. It will soon be another season and those winter blahs will be behind you!