WINTER SELF CARE

Self Care during the Dark and Long Winter Season

Are the long, cold and grey days of winter beginning to get to you? Have yourself care efforts been interrupted by bouts of the flu or just plain exhaustion from having to wake up earlier to scrape that ice off your car windows and shovel the snow? Is your new year’s intention to put your self care higher on your priority list, a fading memory of enthusiasm? It can be all to easy to become passive towards our self care when in the midst of the winter dreariness and yet, it’s when we need it the most. Self care needs to shift with the different seasons because our needs change as we try to adapt to the climates. As someone who lives in the Midwest, I can tell you, the influence of the seasons is very real. During the winter months the days get shorter as night falls earlier. Our hours tend to be a bit crazy as Mother Nature doesn’t work a 9-5. There are weeks were it feels like the days are running together and sleep hasn’t come in forever! Our immune systems are not as strong and there are tons of germs and viruses spreading in the winter (especially for those that have young children). One of the most important things we can do for ourselves, our families and our business is self care! Take care of your body, your mind, and your soul! Self-care is important for your physical health as well as your mind, soul and, let's face it, your overall health. Without self-care, your relationships with others can suffer tremendously. Self-care is important for your mental and physical health and relationships with others. Here are tons of tips to add self-care into your day.Self-care is important, but some people think it's selfish or inconsiderate. We know self-care actually makes you more effective and energetic. When you avoid things that make you feel physically and mentally well, you deplete your confidence and self-esteem. Self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself, sometimes called self-love. It produces positive feelings, which improves confidence and self-esteem too. Self-care is important for your family and friends too. They learn from you, so setting functional boundaries to take care of yourself shows them that they too need to put themselves first and not overextend or overwork. Unhealthy relationships come about when you don't take time for your needs. The following tips and tricks are only a few ideas that I personally use; however, a simple Google search for “self care” will lead you on a magical journey to a world of self care ideas. Find what works for you, and enjoy treating yourself better everyday!

Prioritize working out Going to the gym or taking a yoga or spin class can help you connect with others while boosting your health on multiple levels

Re-energize with warming visualization exercises Meditation and guided visualizations can be powerful ways to ease cold-weather-induced stress

Connect through creating

(If you need “alone time” coloring or drawing can be fun alone as well!) Creating art with community and loved ones decreases feelings of loneliness and can improve your sense of well being- especially during the long winter months

Take a walk Taking a walk in winter can help boost your energy, reduce stress, and give your cells some much-needed extra oxygen and fresh air. Being outside all day and night is exhausting. But let’s face it….you are WORKING in this cold weather. Most likely in a truck driving around plowing and salting, or even if you are shoveling. There is nothing like a cool brisk winter walk. Close your eyes; breathe in, while exhaling, open your eyes and look around at the beautiful scenery.

Warm up after that winter walk with a warm beverage When you feel chilled right down to your marrow, a warm beverage can help warm up your insides. Make sure you go for the less caffeinated options….after all, you are trying to relax.

Do nothing Rest; Recover your energy, Contemplate, Relax, Meditate. I know this one seems impossible (and possibly absurd), but undoubtedly one of the most important of all! Take time for yourself. Winter can bring on the blues; it gets dark early, it’s cold, and outside isn’t cheerful. Remembering to take care of yourself is as important as waking up in the morning, getting to work on time, and taking care of your loved ones. Consider using some of these tips and tricks or use Google to find ones that fit your lifestyle. Which ever it may be, make sure to take care of yourself year round, but most importantly in the winter months when things are hectic and busy for all of us.