How to Beat the Winter Blues
Shorter days and colder nights — it’s enough to bring anyone down! Here’s help to beat the winter blues.
Shake up your routine. Cold, rain, sleet, snow — it’s enough to keep the most hard-core outdoor exercise enthusiast homebound. That’s why this is the perfect time of year to create some new fitness goals: maybe it’s to try out lots of new classes, or finally commit to Tuesday indoor cycling at Cycled! or bikram yoga, or checking out Sweat DC with your friend who can’t stop talking about @CoachGFit (use promo code "CORE" to get your first class for just $10). Taking a break from your usual workout will prevent boredom and burnout.
If you feel a little less peppy than usual in winter, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing. According to the US National Library of Medicine, it’s a form of depression — more specifically, a mood change that occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight. Symptoms can include anxiety, sadness, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, decreased energy, sleep changes, weight gain and a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. (Read more here)
Letting Go to Expectation. It seems as if the holiday season starts earlier and earlier each year, bringing with it a flood of emotional baggage many of us would prefer to leave behind. Experiencing excessive anxiety at the sight of the holidays? Consider relaxing your expectations and shifting your mindset. This fundamental change can help make it possible to survive the stress-filled weeks from late November until early January.
Set Yourself Up for the New Year. Take the time to do a yearly housekeeping call to all of your major bills (i.e. your cable, phone, and internet companies) and see if there might be a better deal available. The worst thing they can say is 'no,' and you might be looking at a few dollars off per month just for raising the issue. The new year is also a great time to tackle any credit card debt. Don't be scared to call your credit card provider and see what changes to your interest might be made in the New Year. Companies want to keep their best customers, and many are cutting down interest costs for a portion of the year. If you're not happy with your card, don't be scared to shop around for one that works best for you. —Nicole Lapin, author of Rich Bitch