“Winter Blues” are a real thing.
The technical term for it is SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
SAD is often characterized by feelings of sadness, lethargy, and a lack of motivation. It’s most commonly associated with the winter months, but it can also occur in the summer months too.
While you might think I am immune to this syndrome living in Hawaii, I am not. I get the Winter Blues just like so many others.
We have had a particularly cold, wet winter, and sometimes it feels like the wind and rain will never stop…. which is a great metaphor for being in a funk.
Sometimes it just feels like the sun will never come out again.
But I want to offer you this thought,
Everything changes…. especially the weather.
So if you are feeling stuck, isolated, or just out of sorts due to some circumstance, weather or otherwise, here are five simple tricks to lift your spirits:
1. Turn on some music. Music has been scientifically proven to alter your brain chemistry. It doesn’t matter what kind, as long as YOU like it.
2. Take a walk. If it’s too cold or wet to take a walk outside, then go to an indoor mall and walk inside.
3. Call a friend or a family member. It’s easy to get caught up in our own heads when we are feeling blue. Sometimes just chatting with an old friend or relative can be a real mood booster.
4. Plan something. Whether it is a dinner with a friend. A weekend getaway. Or just sign up for a class. Having something to look forward to can change your mood and get you out of feeling stuck.
5. Light therapy. If you don’t have access to sunshine during the winter months, there are special light boxes to mimic the benefits of the sun.
But most of all, practice Self-Compassion.
If you are going through a rough patch or a bit of isolation, just remember that Spring is coming! With a new season comes new opportunities!
Have a great Monday!
Love, Jackie
P.S. If you are struggling to find joy in your life or need individualized support, let’s talk about how coaching can help you. You can send me a private message or schedule a free consultation by clicking here.
#coaching #lifecoaching #winterblues #SAD #mindset #stress #happiness #happier
