Hello again!
Iβm back with another post. This time focusing on how you can beat the winter blues (believe me this has been decided through trial and error). It is winter right now in Australia and although some northern areas are still warm those of us in the southern areas are freezing! So, here are 10 things I have done this winter to beat the winter blues and stay productive (though not 100% productive all the time this has helped).
- Read a good novel (my go to novels are anything to do with self motivation/improvement, a favourite of mine is your dream life starts here by kristina karlsson. This novel is perfect for anyone trying to plan their life and how to get there, it also allows you to understand more about yourself (like I wanted to do floristry, I never would have found this out otherwise). Well worth the investment! If you are interested I can work through this with you and each week on Wednesday I can give you an update. Let me know in the comments if this is something that you would be interested in.
- Get cozy and warm (preferably next to the fire β there is something magical about a fireplace). Do not stress if you donβt have a fireplace, a heater or just putting on your warmest, comfiest clothes that you own will be enough. This is a huge help when trying to relax!
- Draw up a bubble bath (this speaks for itself β we all know these are relaxing, plus bubbles!)
- Make some food from scratch β this could be anything from cakes, sweets or meals. Conscious eating (which I touched on in an earlier post) is very important when trying to relax and enjoy your meal and admire the flavours in the dish. Plus for me, this is very therapeutic. Iβm always making cakes/sweets when Iβm stressed as it helps me relax (I think they call it stress baking haha).
- Open your curtains, let the light in! – sunlight is a natural endorphin booster I swear! (endorphins are those happy hormones that are released when you do something you enjoy) Also our internal body clock (circadian rhythm) is based around when the sun rises and sets. Go for a walk or sit near a sunlit window to get some Vitamin D (not only is this a vital mineral but it also helps boost your immune system). So, open the curtain and let the natural light in.
- Buy some dried flowers to spice up your room – Flowers always make a room appear much more appealing to our eyes and senses. It must be the bright colours. But, in winter there are not many options for fresh flowers, however if you are after some flowers I highly recommend dried flowers, plus they never wilt or need to be thrown out (totally on trend with the neutral theme of 2020)
- Make yourself a cup of tea/coffee β enjoy the warmth of the coffee/tea in your hands. Take some time to admire how cold it is but how warm your coffee/tea is making you. (take a photo cause #instagramaesthetics). Remember to make your coffee/tea slowly do not rush through this process in order to optimise the relaxation effects.
- Put on the oil diffuser β oils like lavender, citruses and cinnamon are soothing to both the senses and the mind. Give them a try. I get my oils from vitality extracts and am obsessed with the βstress awayβ oil. I also have a diffuser bracelet that I use when Iβm away from home so the oils can calm down my stress and anxiety.
- Light a few candles around the place (make sure they donβt catch fire though!) Again, there is something magical about candles. It may be the fire gazing aspect of our ancestors but the simple act of lighting a candle, smelling the aroma and watching it burn and melt the wax is very therapeutic for the mind and soul.
- Put on your favourite tunes (cause who doesnβt love music?) Make sure they are upbeat and feel free to dance! Dancing releases more of those endorphins I spoke of earlier and helps you burn some calories which can also improve your mood. So, turn it up and sing/dance till your hearts content.
As always, I really appreciate your feedback and engagement with my posts. I love to hear what is interesting you and whether any of these tips on how to beat the winter blues has helped you. Also, comment below if you would like a weekly update in regards to βyour dream life starts hereβ novel and my progress.
Much love,
Sarah
Zen living 