Spring doesn’t officially begin for a few more weeks and everything outside looks so dreary and feels so cold. We haven’t had much snow this year, but we have had enough unseasonably warm days teasing us to make it seem as though the grass has been dead for years now. Are you having a tougher time getting out of bed each morning as winter drags on? And on? If you are suffering from the winter blues, the agents at Kasmann Insurance have compiled a long list of tips to help you turn them another color. Some will be obvious and we hope you find the others fun!
Stay Active/Exercise
Don’t let the cold render you immobile, get off the sofa and try some yoga! Take the dogs for a walk! (Or whatever else gets you moving and shaking.)
Eat Healthy
Stay away from sugary sweets because of the crash and crabbiness that often follows. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and are better for your mood. Eat things like whole grains, beans, peas, lentils, strawberries, broccoli, and other fruits and vegetables.
Get Outside
Your body is craving sunlight and standing by a window is simply not enough. Bundle up and spend some time outdoors. You could even take up an outdoor winter sport!
Lighten up Your Environment
Opening the curtains or blinds to let as much sunlight as possible into your home can help your mood. You can also purchase items that provide artificial light such as a sunrise stimulating alarm clock, or Seasonal Affective Disorder light box.
Stay Warm
Dress appropriately for the weather so that you aren’t freezing all day long. Putting a hat on your head or warmer socks on your feet can help your whole body feel warmer.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule
It’s easy to stay in bed and want to sleep longer when it feels like an iceberg outside of your covers, but too much sleep will make you groggy. Avoid naps and strive for a solid night’s rest of no more than 8 hours.
Limit Caffeine
It kind of goes without saying if you want to be successful with number 5. A lack of sleep can worsen depression and is sometimes caused by caffeine. Caffeine can also cause increased anxiety.
Vitamin D
Include a multi-vitamin in your daily regime to help keep your vitamin D levels up. Most breakfast cereals, breads, orange juice, milk, and yogurt are fortified with vitamin D and it can be found in high levels in fish such as salmon, swordfish, and mackerel.
Socialize
Although backyard barbecues and pool parties won’t be on your schedule for a couple more months, you can still get together with your friends and have a good time indoors. Plan a dinner party, game night, movie night or even a cocktail party with a beach or Hawaiian theme.
Take up a New Hobby
Have you been waiting to try or learn something new? Seize the day! Look into classes offered by the local career center or community college, or jump right in!
Vacation!
Maybe it’s not possible to jet off on a vacation right now, but you could plan one for later in the year, or even next winter. You could also bundle up and pretend you’re a tourist in your own town, or a neighboring town, and explore new things.
Plan a Garden
Thinking about things you want to plant and watch grow in the warm sun this Spring or Summer will help you focus on those seasons, instead. Will you focus on perennials, annuals, or a combination of both?
Buy Some Flowers
Visit a local florist or the floral section of your grocery store for fresh flowers to brighten up your kitchen, living room, or to even wake up on your nightstands.
Indulge in a Splurge
If the budget allows, maybe it’s time you treat yourself to a massage, some new clothes, or something that makes you feel pampered.
Change up Your Look
Wear bright colors, think about a new haircut or style or ladies you might even experiment with different make-up application techniques or products.
Be Positive
Vow to stop saying you hate winter to get yourself out of that habit. Think about the things you do like about the cold weather and respond with one the next time you hear someone else say they dislike the season. For example, your friend says, “I am really sick of freezing and everything being so grey.” You could agree and commiserate, or you could respond by saying, “I really enjoy being able to put my winter wardrobe to use!”
Countdown
Use dry erase markers on a whiteboard, a window, or even your bathroom mirror to count the number of days until winter is over. The end is near and in sight!
The good news is nothing lasts forever, not even winter in the Midwest. The Kasmann Insurance Agency wishes you warmth and happy thoughts during this dreary season. We also promise that Spring is just around the corner, and if you need us, we’ll be in our usual location on our corner.