Once again, it’s that time of year! The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, It’s difficult to stay motivated in the winter when we are just gearing up for the holiday cheer. Does this ring a bell?
The few days when the sun shines brightly on the beautiful snow are ones I treasure. I’m generally happier, and I wish every winter day was like this. It isn’t, however. It’s normally overcast, cloudy and dark around 4 p.m.
I, like many others in the northern hemisphere have noticed a drop in motivation. As a caregiver with extra responsibility, I need to plan my work and work my plan. We can’t prevent seasonal changes; they are unavoidable; nevertheless, we can develop habits to help us stay focused during the winter months.
You know yourself better than anyone and it is important to make a plan now if you know from past experience that cold and dark bring you down and interrupt your routine and enjoyment you get from everyday activities.
Is is winter blues or S.A.D?
There’s a distinction to be made between the “winter blues” and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
The winter blues are a rather regular occurrence. Although you are experiencing an overall loss in energy, it has no effect on your capacity to enjoy life. The darker, colder days contribute to this melancholy mood and make it more difficult to stay motivated during the winter months, yet your life is not substantially affected.
Seasonal Affective Disorder(S.A.D.), on the other hand, is a type of depression that begins in the fall and lasts through the winter. It affects all aspects of a person’s life on a daily basis. They may sleep more than usual, lose interest in activities and have significant difficulty focusing.
This article discusses 5 ways to minimize the winter blues and help minimize the effects of S.A.D. this season.
5 WAYS TO STAY MOTIVATED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS
Whether you have the Winter Blues or have been diagnosed with S.A.D., there are some behaviors and routines you may adopt to help you stay engaged for you as a caregiver during the colder months.
1. Keep your morning routine
With less sunshine available throughout these months, it’s critical that we stay active during the hours when the sun is visible. When it’s freezing outside, it’s easier to stay in your warm bed. Maintaining that early-morning routine, on the other hand, has its advantages. Maybe consider adding a space heater to where you get ready in the morning, have your coffee pot on auto -brew or consider a timer of a few lights in the house. An additional treatment has been Artificial light. Artificial light can help you feel more energized during the short winter days.
2. Staying Active and Exercising
Exercise is frequently mentioned as a remedy to a variety of issues, including overcoming the winter blues. Staying active not only protects you from sickness, but it also improves your mood!
Consider including exercise in your routine the next time you’re feeling sluggish and unmotivated, especially during the winter months. It’s never been easier to stay in shape no matter where you are. Simply search “fitness for beginners” or “calm yoga” on YouTube to find a variety of health and fitness channels. There are also a few mobile phone applications for exercise you can complete at home throughout your day. Moving your body improves your sense of well-being, making you feel happier and more energized.
3. Stay Socially Connected
When it’s chilly and dark outside, it’s all too easy to become locked up indoors by yourself. Isolation has a negative impact on your health, induce isolation, and lead to depression. Make plans with friends and connect. This connection can be joining a friend for a cup of coffee, having a Zoom video call or chatting on the telephone. Click here for the blog on how to connect virtually. Today more than ever, there are ways to reach out and connect with others. As humans we are meant to have community with one another regardless of weather so keep those connections going throughout the winter. You can also make plans for the spring to have something to look forward to once the days are longer and the sun is warmer.
4. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Eating a nutritious diet is essential for our entire physical and mental well-being. A balanced diet helps to prevent many ailments and allows our bodies to function at their best. Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods to improve your mood and health during the cold months. Great food options to consider are more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods. You can also consider immunity support supplements because some vitamins such as Vitamin D from the sun are less naturally accessible.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
We know in our mind we still have 24 hours in a day regardless of the amount of sun or the weather but it feels less due to shorter days. In addition, inclement whether can impose on your plans and give us less time causing increase stress. It is important to keep to your self-care routine and talk nice to yourself because you are doing the best you can each day. Remember to give yourself unconditional self-love and that may mean making some hot cocoa and enjoy a pajama day on the coach drinking hot cocoa, watching the snow fall and talking with a friend.