With spring just around the corner, many people are just trying to hang on until the sunshine arrives! Though part of this is the natural part of wintering, I offer five fast tips to try to shake that feeling of ‘meh’ we all know well in this cloudy climate.
I’ll start with what you don’t want to hear… Get outside! Fresh air is the best tool for a reset – it nourishes your body and mind, energizing you in ways that stale air inside just can’t. Tell yourself how much you’re looking forward to a rainy walk, grab a friend or furry pet, and take a short stroll outside. I promise, you won’t regret it.
Second, listen to what your body needs. I’ve definitely been guilty of drinking all the coffee over the years, ignoring my body’s plea for something more hydrating. When we ignore these signs, it can worsen our symptoms. On the outside, choosing coffee might mean dry lips, but on the inside millions of cells are eagerly waiting for that water to arrive. So, if your body needs to move, move it. If it’s asking for veggies, load up on a salad. If your eyes are drooping, and you’re fighting through to the end of an episode, stop. You only get one body, and no one is going to care for it except you.
Third, listen to your mind. If you’re getting that guilty feeling due to your endless scrolling online, substitute consuming for creating. Wake up those thinking muscles and join a pottery class, do some painting, play play-dough with your kid. Afterwards, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and lightness, compared with how you feel after scrolling pointlessly.
Next, pay attention to your inner monologue. Most of us are pretty good at speaking kindly to others and giving them the support they need, but we neglect this within ourselves. Try to notice when you speak to yourself harshly and try to reframe it like you were talking to a friend.
For example, you forget to put the garbage out for pick-up one day and tell yourself that you are so dumb for doing so, rolling your eyes and punching your fist. Is it worth it? Not at all. If a friend shared that they forgot to put out the garbage, you’d probably just say “Awe man, I hate it when that happens. I’m happy to do a dump run this weekend with you.” We need to stop being our own worst critics and just show ourselves some love and patience.
Lastly, soak in these last few weeks of hibernation mode. Cozy up with a blanket, book and furry pet. The comfort and rest this provides the mind and body is essential before entering into the busy seasons of spring and summer. Enjoy it while it lasts so you have the energy for the sunny season.
These five tips are so varied that if you choose just a couple, I assure you, you’ll find that comfort you need to make it through to spring.
(Brittany Leonard is a teacher at Chemainus Secondary School, an author and yoga instructor at The Hive Collective in Chemainus).