Simple Ways to Thrive this Winter
I don’t actually mind the snow. Especially on those bluebird days when the sun is shining and the snow sparkles and I have time to get outside and ski or even go for a walk.
On those days I think it’s pretty great. Even during big storms when you’re almost forced to stay inside it can be a really nice excuse to make some hot chocolate and sit by the fire all afternoon.
But the sun setting at 4pm. Ummm no thank you!
I know it’s coming. And yet, EVERY SINGLE YEAR, I still kinda dread it.
So this year I knew I needed to mentally prepare myself in advance.
In his TED talk, Happiness Psychologist Shawn Achor said, “it’s not necessarily reality that shapes us, but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. Ninety percent of your long-term happiness is predicted not by the external world, but by the way your brain processes the world.”
With these words in mind, here are a few of the mindset shifts I’m relying on to thrive and not just survive this Winter:
Reframe
The Danish concept of Hygge is all about coziness and comfort and surrounding yourself with people and things who just make you feel good. Despite Denmark being a very dark and cold place during the Winter months, Danes continually rank among the happiest people in the world.
I think this can in part be attributed to Hygge, which encourages us to embrace the darkness of Winter and then use it to create a more cozy environment. Cook healthy meals, read books by the fire, light a few more candles, draw up a warm bath. Whatever helps you invite this feeling into your home and your life.
Prioritize Your Sleep
Sleep is definitely underrated in terms of things we think contribute to overall health but it’s one of the most helpful tools you have for managing stress. No one shows up as their best self when they’re exhausted and almost everything feels a little easier after a good night's sleep.
See Daily Movement as Essential
When you move your body you change your mood. Physical activity reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, increases energy, and helps you fall asleep and stay asleep easier. Start thinking of exercise as something you get to do vs. something you have to do and it becomes a whole lot easier. Exercise is meant to leave you feeling energized in your mind and your body, not depleted. So if your exercise routine doesn't leave you feeling good, change it! You make the rules.
Practice Gratitude
It’s ok not to feel ok all the time but it’s a lot harder to feel sad when your mind and heart are full of gratitude. Several studies have found that gratitude increases physical and emotional wellbeing, improves relationships, and creates a more positive overall outlook on life. Changing your focus to all that you have instead of all that you’re lacking can be exactly the mental shift needed to get through the long winter months.
Be Where Your Feet Are
Practice bringing more awareness to every moment. When you’re at work, let go of the guilt that you’re not spending time with your kids and when you’re at home, stop thinking about emails or your never ending to do list and be home. ONe of my meditation teachers always said, “you are a human BEING not a human DOING.” So today breathe deep and be where your feet are. If you’re having a hard time coming back into the present moment, this 5 Senses Exercise is one of my favorites.
And FINALLY, because eating a simple but healthy meal almost always makes you feel better be sure to check out my post on Simplifying Meal Prep over at Four Wellness Co.