Winter Blues? Read this!

December 20, 2021

Let me start off by saying that it’s okay if you are not a fan of winter and the holidays aren’t really your thing. In fact, that’s totally okay!

There are a number of reasons why this time of year can be much more difficult, beyond the obvious reasons that it’s cold and dark more often.

You know your reasons and I know mine, so how can we help make our own worlds a little warmer and brighter?

I recently decided to do my own spin off of 12 Days of Christmas on Instagram called 12 Days of Positivity. For the first 12 days of December, I made quick Instagram Reels showing one thing that helped me (and can help you) bring a little boost into your day.

At first, my intention was to provide some information to my audience on Instagram and share some tips, but since I had to make a new video every day, I actually had to participate in this 12 Days of Positivity.

Little did I know that actually doing one little thing every day for those 12 days would help me out a ton as the days got shorter, colder, and darker.

Don’t get me wrong, winter has its beautiful moments. The holidays definitely would not be the same without snow. (I spent one Christmas in Florida a few years ago and it was definitely weird having no snow!). There are also plenty of winter activities that I love (It’s all about finding small things to be grateful for!)

However, as someone who NEEDS the sun and warmth, let’s just say that once the cold weather makes itself at home….I find it tough some days.

So for myself and for you, here are 12 simple ways that you can add bursts of positivity to your day:

1.    One big glass of water before your morning coffee

Our body gets dehydrated when we sleep, so it’s important to rehydrate it with water rather than coffee! This will also help us enjoy our morning coffee much more. You will get an instant boost of energy with your water (I’m serious! )and your body will thank you.

*Bonus: If you’re having issues with your gut health or balancing your hormones, it’s best not to drink coffee on an empty stomach. Have a light snack first! A few crackers will do :)

2.    Treat yourself to an Epsom salt bath

Netflix and a bath? Yep that’s a perfect combo. Baths are a MUST during cold winters. So next time you take a bath, make sure to add Epsom salts to it! These salts can help with headaches, sore muscles (I am the queen of sore backs), stress relief, and flushing toxins & heavy metals from cells.

3.    Start your morning with stretches

As I am writing this, it is currently 7 a.m. and I am about to pause my typing to do exactly this!  Stretching before you get your day going will help your body wake up and get ready for the day.

4.    Take yourself on a date to the grocery store

Hunh? Hear me out! Who doesn’t love exploring new sections of the grocery store? Or even a trying out a new grocery store? 

Treat yourself to new healthy foods to inspire yourself! Eating the same things over and over can become boring and make you feel like you’re getting tired of your fav snacks, so try something new. There is so much goodness out there to try.

5.    Give yourself 15 minutes

Allow yourself 15 minutes every morning to have a peaceful start to your day. How you start the day really sets the tone. Use this time however you would like: to breathe, to enjoy your coffee, to think, to sit in silence, etc.

6.    Leave yourself love notes around your space

Think of the top 3 areas you see every single day. Is it your kitchen, your bathroom mirror, your bedroom, your desk at work? Leave yourself self-love notes in those areas! All you have to do is write a cute message and a sticky note and stick it on there! Bam!

7.    Dance party!

This one has to be my favourite!

Whether it’s to your favourite song, a throwback tune, or a song that you can’t seem to get out of your head, nothing helps boost positivity like a dance party. 

8.    Make time for you

Prioritize making time to do something that makes you feel good every day. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes. Making yourself a priority will significantly improve other areas of your life as well!

9.    Listen to motivational talks

Challenge yourself to watch one motivational YouTube video per day. While you’re getting ready in the morning or packing your lunch, grab your phone, search “motivational video” in the search bar on YouTube and pick one!

 The content we absorb plays a big role on our subconscious perceptions and thoughts. Allow yourself to absorb motivation and empowerment and see how much your mindset shifts!

10.  Add essential oils to your shower!

If you have not tried this, you need to try it today! Pick your favourite essential oil. Turn the shower on for 5-10 seconds. Drop 5-7 drops of oil on your shower floor and allow the steam to make your entire bathroom smell like a spa.

11. Breathe

Deep breathing helps to relax your body and calm you down.

Here is quick and simple breathing technique: breathe in for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds and exhale for 5 seconds.

This is an amazing tool to have in your back pocket for when a stressful situation pops up on you.

12. Get outside!

I know it’s hard to spent time outside in the cold, but pushing yourself to get fresh air will make you feel much better – I promise! Your body and your mind will thank you.

That is it and that is all! 12 simple and little ways you can add bursts of positivity into your day during the winter.

Remember, it’s not about doing every single one of them, find a few you enjoy the most and do them as often as you feel necessary! You may even discover your own tips along the way. 

I hope you found this blog post to be helpful, thank you so much for reading!

Know yourself, know your body & until next time! 

Mags

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