As a Life Coach in Minneapolis, my busiest time of year is mid-January to mid-March. It's a time when people either have the post-holiday doldrums or suffer from the winter blues and it makes them miserable.
For many, the period after the holidays is difficult. After several weeks of celebration, activity, love and human connection, we return to our lives which can seem very mundane and lonely. We miss the excitement and face several months with less stimulation.
The winter blues can be just as difficult, especially for those of us who live in colder climates. The days are much shorter, there's less sunlight, it's cold, and everything is in shades of gray. Worst of all, in Minnesota, we have another three months until spring.
If you are suffering from either one of these afflictions, there are a few things you can do to break out of the blues and change your mood:
- Get more sleep
- Give yourself something to look forward to
- Get more fresh air
- Exercise more
- Connect with friends and family
- Do something you've always wanted to do
- Don't isolate
The key to beating the winter blues is to break out of your routine while taking better care of your body. Changing your routine will energize your mind and emotions by giving you something to get excited about. Taking better care of your body will give you the energy to get out of your chair and actually do something. There is a strong connection between physical and emotional well-being. When we feel good physically, it's much easier to feel good emotionally.
Finally, if your Blues last longer than a couple weeks or lead to thoughts of despair, it could be a sign of depression that requires more extensive treatment. If you think you may be suffering from depression, see your doctor to discuss it.
Remember, winter may be long and dark, but spring will eventually come.
For many, the period after the holidays is difficult. After several weeks of celebration, activity, love and human connection, we return to our lives which can seem very mundane and lonely. We miss the excitement and face several months with less stimulation.
The winter blues can be just as difficult, especially for those of us who live in colder climates. The days are much shorter, there's less sunlight, it's cold, and everything is in shades of gray. Worst of all, in Minnesota, we have another three months until spring.
If you are suffering from either one of these afflictions, there are a few things you can do to break out of the blues and change your mood:
- Get more sleep
- Give yourself something to look forward to
- Get more fresh air
- Exercise more
- Connect with friends and family
- Do something you've always wanted to do
- Don't isolate
The key to beating the winter blues is to break out of your routine while taking better care of your body. Changing your routine will energize your mind and emotions by giving you something to get excited about. Taking better care of your body will give you the energy to get out of your chair and actually do something. There is a strong connection between physical and emotional well-being. When we feel good physically, it's much easier to feel good emotionally.
Finally, if your Blues last longer than a couple weeks or lead to thoughts of despair, it could be a sign of depression that requires more extensive treatment. If you think you may be suffering from depression, see your doctor to discuss it.
Remember, winter may be long and dark, but spring will eventually come.
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