Keeping your joy this holiday season is challenging enough without taking the weather into account. A long, cold winter is notoriously hard on many people’s bodies and moods, and the second half if often the hardest.
If you’re struggling a little this winter, don’t worry. These coping strategies will help you thrive through these last few cold months.
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels
Image Source: Pexels CC0 Licence
Go For a Daily Walk
When it’s cold, going for a walk might be the last thing you feel like, but there is no more reliable way to get your blood flowing and improve your mood than a brisk walk in the bracing air. If you’ve been avoiding heading out into the cold so far this winter, try to brave a daily walk from now on. You’ll be amazed by the impact this brief daily ritual could have on your overall well being. You needn’t go on a hike every day. Just a brisk stroll around the block would be enough to see an improvement. Ideally, you would take advantage of the daylight hours to get a little vitamin D, a walk in the dark will be beneficial, too.
The right footwear is key for wintry walks, especially if you’re prone to catching colds. Fleece-lined boots with good traction are a good bet in sub-zero temperatures. Once the snow starts to melt, a pair of womens wide calf rain boots would be ideal. Not only will they enable you to wade through the slush, but you can wear thick socks underneath for warmth.
Laugh More
If you struggle with seasonal affective disorder, you might feel like winter is no laughing matter. But regular laughter could be the key to thriving for the rest of the season. Research has shown that a good dose of hearty laughter can reduce tension and stress, leaving your entire body in a more relaxed state almost a full hour afterward. And if you’re prone to catching a cold in winter, you have another excuse to enjoy a daily giggle (not that you should need an excuse). Laughing releases powerful antibodies into your bloodstream that can boost your immune system and help you fight off colds and flu. Whether you head out to the cinema for a good old Rom-Com, try out laughter yoga, or spend time laughing with your kids, don’t miss out on this great mood-enhancer this winter. (Bonus: laughter is free, too!)
Image Source: Pexels CC0 Licence
Eat Seasonally
If you’ve got this far through winter eating the same go-to weekday meals that you eat throughout the year out of habit, consider switching up your menu. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper because they are more abundant, and more nutritious because they haven’t had to be cold-stored and transported long distances from warmer climes. What’s more, they taste better because they are fresh! Introducing a more seasonal array of dishes to your regular menu will not only make your weekly shop cost less, but your meals will be tastier and more nutritious. Many winter ingredients like root vegetables tend to work best when roasted or slow-cooked, so your meals will tend towards the warmer, cozier side of the spectrum, offering comfort and warmth on those chilly winter days.
Whether or not you’re a fan of the winter, many of us struggle with the last couple of months. These tips will help you turn your winter up a notch and power through the last stretch.
Follow!