Happy Friday!
I got really excited this morning about a new event I am planning at work to promote giving during this season. Starting in December, we are running a two-week food drive in which members can trade three non-perishable food items for an entry to win either a tennis lesson, a month of group exercise classes or a spot in one of the Junior's Programs- free of charge. Something about planning this event and making all of the arrangements just really put me in a good mood. It got me thinking about the case of winter blues I had last year around this time and that there are probably even more ideas to stave off this kind of depressed state we can so easily fall into this time of year.
Last year I discussed using these key tips to ward off anxiety/depression during Winter months:
- Consume a diet high in plants
- Exercise
- Get outside to spend time in the natural light
- Find things that bring you joy
I still stand behind all of these items, but I've thought of a few more that might help. The best part about it, is you can start now, before any of those mood depressing thoughts begin to roll in!
1. Do something for someone who has less than you. I am excited to be running this event at work. How can you feel depressed about giving to the less fortunate and making people's lives better?
2. Show the people around you, that you appreciate them. This doesn't mean going out and lavishly spending on gifts. It could be as simple as thank you cards to your employees, baking treats for your coworkers, and writing a letter of gratitude to loved ones, thanking them for the role they play in your life. Not only will this make you feel good, but those on the receiving end will be smiling as well!
3. Find time to give back. I haven't been back to the dog kennel I like to volunteer at in quite some time. I'm setting a goal to go at least three times before the end of the year to help out those little furry babies that bring me so much joy!
4. Prioritize organization and planning. Organize, plan, make lists- whether it be your daily schedule, your packing and travelling itinerary, your Christmas lists, Holiday recipes... try to get anything you can, done ahead of time. You will feel refreshed and able to truly sit back and enjoy Holidays and family time when you aren't rushing around trying to find last minute gifts and desserts minutes before the party.
5. Set a budget. It's hard not to get depressed when you basically go into debt during this time of year with all the events and gifts. Set a budget for yourself, write down every single person you plan to buy for and set a limit per person on what you would like to spend. Then, stick to it!
6. Be proactive with your health. Have a plan on what you are going to do this Holiday season, to keep your health a priority that doesn't slip away until the New Year. Like I always say, it is absolutely okay to indulge and enjoy. However, when it comes to our health, eating high sugary foods and drinking tons of wine etc are all things that truly impact our mental attitude and how we feel physically. Remember not only the mental affects that will incur with repetitive poor food choices, but also that you are going to have to work twice as hard to get back to where you started pre-holiday season. Have a plan- whether it be at least 30 minutes of extra cardio a day, walking every night after dinner, or maybe even staying within an allotted calorie range. You might be sad for ten minutes missing that extra slice of pie, but trust me, come December 26th, you will be so much happier that you indulged without OVER indulging.
7. Rest and hydrate. These things are so easily forgotten, but so very important!
8. Enjoy. Take each day as it comes, breathe, live in the moment. Take note of even the smallest things that bring you joy. At the end of the day, write down three things that made you smile that day.
Your turn! What ideas do you have to try to avoid the Winter Blues?
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