6 (LITTLE) THINGS YOU CAN DO THIS WINTER
February 2022
6 (Little) things you could do to feel better this winter…
1. Go outside
Get some fresh air. Sunlight helps improve our mood. Think about going to the local woods or forest for a walk with friends or family. The tall trees and surroundings are known to improve your sense of wellbeing.
2. Try something new
Too many New Year’s resolutions revolve around, “cutting this out”, “spending less time doing this”, “unrealistic changes to diet” most make you unhappier when your motivation runs out. Turn it on its head and do more of the things you like and specifically trying something new that has been on the wish list or bucket list for a while. Get support from friends or family and this may give you the push required to make it a reality.
3. Plan an event
Whether this is a catch-up meal with some old friends or a full-blown holiday, having something organised and booked in the diary does wonders as it is something great to look forward to.
4. Exercise
It had to be here somewhere! This doesn’t mean taking out a gym membership and injuring yourself in the first month of the year. This could be linked to go outside. Many people during lockdown have fundamentally changed the way they work and with less days commuting to work, can consider what they should do with this extra time they have. Mental note – don’t squander it by staying in bed for an extra half an hour every day (maybe one day!) Get up at the same time and do some stretching, get those weights or rower out of the garage and start slowly. The endorphins released from exercise will boost your mood for the whole day. Chances are you will sleep better that night as well.
5. A bit of me time to think
Self-reflection is not about revisiting all the mistakes you’ve made or opportunities you’ve missed. It should be about being present and reflecting on what is good in your life at the moment. Whether you journal this by scribbling for 10 mins once a week or just sitting peacefully in your favourite chair letting your mind wander before anyone else is up. It’s what you want it to be.
6. New Year’s resolutions…or not?
If you like them, then be realistic and kind to yourself. Too many people put together a set of desires, that individually would be achievable, but all together can put unwelcomed strain on you mentally (depleted will power and fatigue) and physically (exhaustion and injury).
My previous article covers an alternative to New Year’s Resolutions that works for me and many other and, surprisingly ends up achieving more of what you want!
Maybe just start with one of the above and see how it makes you feel!