10 Ways to Relax the Winter Blues

10 Ways to relax the Winter Blues

It is that time of year again when the winter blues or seasonal depression can come sneaking around. A simple change in your routine or daily pattern can help lessen the effects. For some these small changes actually help prevent the blues from sticking around.  

1.      Light a Candle or Two – The soft warm flame of a candle can help dissipate stress in the air. The flicker dance of the flame also connects with your subconscious mind gently breaking up repeated patterns of thoughts and feelings or triggers to conscious worry and pressure.

2.      Laugh – Laugh whenever you can. Watch a funny movie, act silly, call your friends and share jokes or recall some funny moments in your life. Got nothing funny on your mind- just start laughing - fake it till you make it!

3.      Smile – Once again fake it until you make it. A laugh or smile can only be faked a short time before it becomes real. Yes it may feel fake, ridiculous and even weird at first but soon enough you begin to feel a real smile creep around.

4.      Sing Out Loud - The song choice is not so important just sing something out loud. Let the spirit of your inner music out!

5.      Dance – Whether you choose to two-step shuffle or left foot boogie it doesn’t matter, just get your body moving in motion. 5 minutes of dancing a day can lift your mood and reduce stress.

6.      Enjoy Mother Nature – Bird watching, spending time with a pet, walking in the woods or nature trail and believe it or not literally touching a tree or plant (indoor or outdoor).

7.      Do a mind activity such as a puzzle, play cards, a computer game or a craft/project.

8.      Add some color to your outfit and around home. This can be as simple a throw blanket-pillow- or rug, colorful towels in the bathroom or flowers for some examples.

9.      Writing- It doesn’t matter your writing style just start writing. You can write a letter, poem, story or even a goal list.

10.  Make a change in your routine or patterns. If you drink coffee from the same cup everyday grab a different cup today. If you put socks on first when you wake up put them on last today. Eat lunch at breakfast, sit on the other side of the couch or simply look out a different window. Changing a small pattern can open new thoughts for you. Thank yourself for just being.

 Massage – Massage Therapy has many benefits you may not have considered for the winter blues. Isolation, lack of sunshine and fresh air, less exercise and seasonal depression often increases stress and anxiety in our bodies. Massage can provide comfort to a lonely spirit, relaxation for an anxious mind and relief for your tense muscles.