You’ve probably heard that January is the month of the year when most people suffer from the winter blues. New research also proved that a whopping fifty percent of women are more likely to suffer from it more than men, and will likely compensate those feelings with food. So much for our New Year’s resolutions.
I’ve personally struggled with depression in the past and most recently with generalised anxiety disorder, as I wrote a few months ago, and this time of the year can be pretty rough on me. I can definitely feel the lack of natural light starting to have its impact on my mood, especially by the end of each week when I can only think of the weekend. Do you feel this way as well?
Whilst I’ve come a long way learning how to fight my own demons, there’s still a few things that I’ve learned during cognitive behavioural therapy that I still incorporate in my day-to-day life.
Most importantly remember that nothing works out if you don’t mindfully commit to change the way your thoughts and/or emotions work. Remember the winter blues will only get you if you let them and you’re strong enough to kick them in the ass.
1. Stay positive
This may sound cliché but it’s just the best advice of all time, and it also applies to every situation. Focus on the silver linings and try to shift your focus of attention to the positive side of things instead of dwelling on depressive, negative thoughts.
2. Keep a gratitude journal
You can either actually write down all the little things that made you happy at the end of each day, or when you’re in bed try to revisit those positive moments in your day. You’ll wake up a little bit happier on the next day, and sleep better as your day ended with a positive note, instead of feeling sorry for yourself.
3. Plan your next holiday
Whilst it might be raining cats and dogs and you haven’t seen daylight in ages, why not start planning your next getaway? Grab your calendar and pencil in a weekend away or your summer holidays, or both if you’re lucky enough. Keeping positive things in the horizon will help get you through winter, while researching about new places and things to do will get you daydreaming of better days.
4. Three simple things
This one is a sacred rule that I’ve happily adopted from CBT. You must set 3 different goals for yourself that you do each single day: do one thing that gives you a sense of accomplishment, do one thing that relaxes you and do one thing that you enjoy. This will make your days much more worthwhile even if you’ve got a dark cloud hanging above your head.
5. Treat yourself
I’m not talking about going on a crazy junk food binge, but treating yourself like you’d treat your own child. Nurture yourself with nourishing, healthy food every day, draw yourself a bubble bath once in a while, get a new haircut, buy that jacket you always wanted to have, light some candles in the evenings and relax, and, if possible, allow for some days where you can clear your schedule from tasks that will stress you out.
What do you do to shake off those gloomy feelings? Hope these tips help you somehow!
Great ideas-I love three simple things, that such a clever idea, and nurturing yourself like you would a child is such a beautiful concept, that most of us mothers should really adopt!
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Thanks Chelsea! I’ve been to a therapist once who taught me that we should never stop nurturing our inner child, even when we’re adults. That thought stuck in my head and it’s still one of the things I try to do.
great post!
Thanks Andy!
Love this post! I managed to nag my mum enough that she booked a holiday for us to Dubai in summer!! Woooop, whenever I’m feeling cold and feeling sorry for myself I just think about that!!
Clothing Conscious // Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
Wow Dubai sounds awesome! You’re going to have so much fun 🙂
Starting a gratitude journal is something that I’ve been meaning to start for a while now, not just for the winter blues but for the whole of the year. I heard they are such an effective way to change you mind-set and thought patterns to being more positive!
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Have you heard about the 5 Five Minute journal? http://www.fiveminutejournal.com/ I’ve been wanting to get my hands on one for so long, looks like somethibg I could easily commit to 🙂 happy friday!
Wow, this post is great, love it.^^
Have a nice Friday…
I definitely can relate, I used to struggle with depression and still have anxiety episodes. The winter blues definitely takes effect… it’s also bad for me this season because I have a newborn so I’m kind of stuck at the house for the most part. Fortunately, I’m finding a lot of distractions and take advantage of every good weather day possible!
Oh I understand, just try to make the best of your days and spring will be here in no time! Hang in there lovely x