When the skies are grey and the days are short, taking good care of yourself can help boost your mood.
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Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted an early spring, but if the Polar Vortex and recent cold snaps are any indication, we’ve still got some cool, dreary days ahead. If you’ve been counting on good weather to cheer you up, you may be out of luck — that groundhog doesn’t have the best track record!
When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s not uncommon to hear people talking about the “winter blues.” If you find yourself feeling low this time of year, it’s more important than ever that you make self-care a priority. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nurturing your soul, but here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Eat Right
This time of year, you might feel pulled towards traditional comfort foods, which is fine on occasion. Most of the time, however, you should be focusing on fueling your body properly. Stick with meals that are nutrient-dense to help you keep going when all you want to do is stop.
When possible, plan your meals a week in advance to help keep you on track. Over the weekend, stock up on the supplies you’ll need and prepare your lunches so that you don’t end up scrambling (or hitting the drive-thru). If you really don’t have time, consider a meal planning service such as Fresh n’ Lean.
Stay Hydrated
Most of us are failing miserably at meeting our daily water intake goals which, of course, is unfortunate because our bodies need it. Dehydration can cause a host of problems including fatigue, headaches and even confusion.
One of the best ways to practice self-care throughout the day is to drink water! It sounds simple and boring, yet we just don’t do it! Get in the habit of carrying a bottle with you at all times and use your phone to set timers, if needed. Not crazy about the taste? Add a slice of lemon or try some of these hydration-boosting drinks!
Move Your Body…
When life gets busy and stressful, you might be tempted to spend all of your free time curled up on the couch.
