Cider Self-Care: 10 Tips For Beating The Winter Blues
With shorter days and colder weather, the winter months can cause feelings of sadness and loneliness for many of us. However, there are little things we can all add to our daily routines to make the colder months feel more manageable! We've compiled a list of our top 10 tips and tricks you can use in your everyday life to help conquer the winter blues:
- Get outside: Even if it's only for a few minutes, make it a priority to get some fresh air and natural light every single day. Things like going on a short hike or even just a leisurely walk around your neighborhood can help improve your mood and boost your energy levels throughout your day!
- Move your body: There's a reason people always suggest working out during the winter months. Studies show that regular physical activity (even for 15-20 minutes a day) can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety and even boost energy levels. Throw on your favorite athleisure fit and go for a light walk or jog around your neighborhood, sign up for a gym membership, or even do some light stretching while binging your favorite show! We don't care how you do it, just get moving!
- Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself during the winter season can seem like the biggest chore of them all. Simple things like getting ready for the day, eating breakfast, or even showering can sometimes feel like the hardest task of your day (which is so normal!). Simple things like getting into a routine sleep schedule, eating more whole foods, and engaging in your favorite activities are all fool-proof ways to enhance your mood and keep your spirits up!
- Sing it out: Music has the power to transform your emotional well-being and boost your mood. Whether you're into pop, rock, or classical, listening to your favorite playlist can help you relax, de-stress, and feel more positive. Don't have a mood-boosting playlist? Don't worry, we do! Check out our self-care playlist and get ready to sing (or dance!) your heart out!
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques are now more accessible than ever. Taking 5-10 minutes a day to practice things such as meditation or yoga is a great way to open your heart and mind and relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Try dopamine dressing: We can all use a little extra color on those dull, winter days. Wearing colorful clothing has been shown to increase the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. Plus, it's a fun way to express your unique style and creativity (love that for you!).
- Get creative: We all have an imaginative, creative side to us whether we're aware of it or not. Choosing to do creative activities like drawing, painting, or writing can be a great way to express yourself and lift your mood during the winter season. And remember, hobbies don't have to be productive and you don't have to be "good" at something to enjoy it. Giving yourself permission to do things just because they're fun and they make you happy is the most liberating thing you can do for yourself!
- Know when to seek professional help: Sometimes, it's just a bad day. Other times, it's too hard to get through alone. If you're struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. Although this can seem intimidating, talking to a mental health professional can help you understand these feelings and increase your quality of life overall!
- Stay social: It's easy to feel isolated during the winter months but staying connected with friends and loved ones can help fight off feelings of loneliness. Schedule a biweekly hang-out with your besties or set up regular video calls with long-distance family and friends. Staying connected with the people in your life is a simple way to remind yourself that these feelings of isolation are only temporary!
- Or don't: With endless TikTok videos, Instagram posts, and tv shows at our disposal, it's easy to get caught up in the lives of others and forget about our own needs and well-being. Give yourself permission to take a break when you're feeling overwhelmed. Turn off social media notifications for the evening or leave your phone on the charger and do a craft. Taking time to do things that don't involve social media is a simple and effective way to feel like yourself again!
At the end of the day, beating the winter blues is all about doing whatever you can to make your day a little bit easier and more enjoyable. And never forget, we're here for you and we're rooting for you always! 💖
XOXO,
Cider 💋