Beat the Winter Blues - DailyMakeover.com

Health & Fitness Beauty Tip

Beat the Winter Blues

submitted: Jan 20, 2010
tip #319

Soothe your mind and body to overcome your winter blues.

Cabin fever, winter blues—whatever you call it, this time of year can be tough on your mind, body and soul. Lack of sunshine, post-holiday depression, and the current economic crisis can make everyone feel edgy. The good news is that, according to Thomas Moore, author of A Life at Work: The Joy of Discovering What You Were Born to Do, these down times are periods of incubation which ultimately lead to a better understanding of life's meaning. But the process doesn't have to be a total drip. Here are some short-term coping techniques to feel instantly more positive.

1) Be healthy. Stress depletes the immune system, so eat well, exercise regularly and get eight hours of sleep each night.
2) Choose positive thinking. It is up to you to buy into thoughts or simply let them go. Ask yourself if a concern is limiting (i.e. pessimistic, self-rejecting) or expansive (one that sees possibilities). Cultivate expansive thoughts and release anything negative.
3) Give yourself a daily perk. Work into your schedule a short break to indulge in one thing you love. Examples: A favorite song, or savory snack, or a book you can't put down.
4) Start a journal. Write down whatever comes to mind. Try to fill up 2 or 3 pages without stopping and don't censor yourself. Read your entries a few hours later and validate your emotions, decide on some changes or just be with what is.
5) Avoid frenemies. Only interact with others who are sensitive to your needs and who you truly look forward to seeing.
6) Pick up a hobby. Learn a new sport or skill that has always interested you, even if you see no practical use for this knowledge. Acquiring new perspectives will restore your self-esteem and even boost your energy.
7) Volunteer in your community. All spiritual traditions agree that serving a good cause and offering relief to others are the best remedies for our own ills.
8) Give yourself a new look. Whether it's a new hair cut or simply trying out a new shade of lipstick, a mini-makeover can do wonders to boost your self-esteem and keep you feeling optimistic and happy. Go to the Makeover Studio right now!

By Susan Reimer Torn, IAC-certified mentor coach, founder of Scentient Beings and self-proclaimed spa junkie.

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freckleluvr16 wrote:

Wed, 2009-01-28 11:35

thank you this was very helpful.

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chfrog72 wrote:

Fri, 2009-01-30 06:37

Not only good advice for winter blues but for everyday life!!! thank you.

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qtpie720 wrote:

Fri, 2009-01-30 15:14

coolio gotta try that

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sarah_lousie_08 wrote:

Tue, 2009-02-03 13:25

really good .. thank you x

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ylva wrote:

Wed, 2009-02-04 10:22

great article! thank you!

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jackie661972 wrote:

Thu, 2009-02-05 05:34

i have suffered from the winter blues for a few years now, i know what i have to do but every year i just need an article like this to remind of the simple things i need to do. i treat myself every day to a pampering session, probably the only time of year i make myself find the time. also a nice short walk each day is vital for my moods. (stops my family from wanting to leave me) but this has just reminded me to stay away from anyone that just doe's not understand about the winter blues

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