How to Make it Through the Winter

There's a heavy cloud that hangs over my head around this time of year. My spirit seems to darken as much as the sky in these dark winter months. With dampness in my bones and no sunshine in sight, it can be hard to keep your spirits up. When I feel myself fall into this post New Years dip, there are a few things I've found that help keep the weariness away. This is a list of seven ways to help make it through the winter.

1: Making space for Pastimes: No matter how busy you are, pastimes are a vital and simple way to stay positive. Reading in bed or building toy models, whatever your interest, going back to fun is a great way to take a break from busy life and reduce stress.

2:Go Outside: Even though the weather may be horrid, wet and slushy, frigid and icy; go outside. If only for a couple minutes. Moving around outside is a sure way to get rid of the winter sluggishness.

3: Be around pets: There are scientific studies proving that pets improve the mood of their human companions. If you have a pet, spend some snuggle time. If not, visit a friend's or volunteer at a shelter to get your animal time in.

4: Exercise: Exercise not only makes your body healthy, it also makes you feel good. Whether you like stretches, yoga, or weightlifting finding time to exercise in the winter will keep you in  good spirits.

5:Balance your Diet: While it's great to have a good diet all year round, many of us struggle with it the most during the cold months. Cookies, muffins and all the holiday leftovers can lead to some junk eating habits, which drain your energy. Making sure to eat some healthy foods every day will keep your energy up.

6:Sleep: When its over cast and dreary I want to take a 7 hour nap. For most that's not possible, or practical. However getting some extra sleep will go a long way in tackling the cold day.

7: Have Fun: You don't have to like the cold or the snow, but finding something positive about it that you can enjoy such as skiing, sledding, or even drinking hot chocolate, can help you squeeze some joy from the harshness of winter.

For many winter is the highlight of the year, the time to whip out the snow gear and go extreme. I am not one of those people. I have the frail cold resistance of a desert lizard, so winter is something of a dread for me. These are just a few things I remind myself of when the going gets tough.

What is your winter survival trick?

Enigma