50 Shades of Blue

I started off the New Year with lofty goals and what I thought was an unbreakable plan for the months ahead; but as I flipped the calendar to February something happened. Those 28 days of endless winter suddenly became the longest, hardest, and most unbearable days of the year. My motivation was lacking, my mood melancholy, and my inspiration to move forward had disappeared. The 10 pounds I had lost in January were slowly creeping back on. The business plan I had was at a stand still, and I found myself on the couch with a bag of caramel corn watching “Love is Blind.” Yes, I admit, I lost the luster in the month that is supposed to be a celebration of love.

Every year I struggle with the “winter blues”, and I am not alone. It is very common to feel tired, unmotivated, isolated, sad and alone during the winter months, and this year those blues seem to be of a much darker shade. Not only are the days long and cold, but COVID is keeping us indoors more than ever, and the world around us is in turmoil.

There are 50 shades of winter blues, and it is our choice as to which shade we dip our brush in. As I head into this last stretch of winter, here are a few ways that I am going to lighten things up. Try them with me and let’s paint winter white.

Eat smart.

Maintain a healthy, nutrient dense diet. Omega-3 enriched foods such as leafy greens, salmon and plant based proteins are key mood boosters. Kick carbs to the curb and avoid filling the grocery cart with tempting snacks and sweets. On-line grocery shopping, menu planning, and meal prepping, is helping me stay on course.

Exercise.

I find it very difficult to motivate myself in the cold winter months. Actually, I’m not one to exercise period, but I know that when I do partake in physical exercise I feel better. Exercise releases feel good chemicals which help to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s time for me to take the clothes off the stationary bike, go for a walk on my lunch, and make time for that yoga class I signed up for.

Drink lots of water.

I have always found it difficult to drink cold water in the winter. To Stay away from that 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee, I fill my contigo with hot water, lemon, and a dash of cayenne pepper; which has an added benefit of speeding up your metabolism. Not only does this drink warm me from head to toe, it fulfills my water intake for the day!

Get Outside

I know, I know, putting on those layers is a lot of work, but getting outside is good for the body, mind, and soul. There is nothing I would rather do than cocoon my self under a warm blanket on the couch, but a daily dose of vitamin D can have a huge impact on your mood. Make a snow angel, build a snowman, go tobogganing or skating, give skiing a try. Breath in that fresh, cold air and appreciate what winter has to offer.

Be Social

Instead of hibernating, make plans with friends and family. Social connection is an important factor in over-all well being and mood. Say yes to that coffee with a friend, hop on that zoom call with your old high school pals, plan a date night with your partner, make an effort, you’ll be glad you did. I took part in “The Art Of Chill” for women at Indigo Lounge Friday evening. It was an evening to let go of stress and focus on me. The feminine energy and conversation was just what I needed to reset, realign, and help me choose a lighter shade of blue.

Find an Outlet

Put down your phone and find an outlet that challenges you. Sign up for that course you always wanted to take, try something new, break out that 1000 piece puzzle that has been sitting there since Christmas. Find something that motivates you physically, mentally, or simply gets you off the couch. I have taken on quite the project this month. I am turning our storage shed into the new home and office for Little Acorn Life Coaching. Hats off to all you drywall professionals. Taping and mudding is an artful process, to put it nicely. I have a vision, and am so proud of the progress so far. Come Spring my little “Nut Hut” will be ready to welcome life coaching clients, and provide me with a private space just to be. This little project is taking me through that last stretch of winter quite nicely.

Hire a life coach

It’s good to talk. Talking your problems through with someone else will help. A life coach is a confidential, unbiased ear that will help you gain some clarity, give you the ability to cope, and help guide you out of your blue state. Contact me for a free introductory session. You don’t have to go through it alone.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that you suspect are more than the winter blues, seek professional help. It is ok to not be ok.

Thank you for reading “The Weekly Seed.”

Laura