Boost your mood with these soul-centered activities.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Turns out, the shift into those cooler, darker months can affect a lot more than your wardrobe and willingness to go outside; it can cause a significant shift in your mood, too. Having the winter blues is common — those not-so-great feelings of sadness, exhaustion, lack of concentration, and restlessness that go hand-in-hand with the season. In more severe cases, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a form of depression, can develop and be a sign to seek professional guidance for additional support.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of this seasonal shift, you can ease your symptoms and boost your mood with some simple (yet effective!) techniques to soothe your soul and calm your mind. Read on for five ways to reconnect and re-energize all season long.
1. Seize the day
As famed poet Horace once said, carpe diem. Shorter days and longer nights mean taking advantage of the sun while you have it — after all, the lack of vitamin D is one of the biggest reasons for lower moods and disrupted sleep. Aligning yourself with the sun can allow you to feel more in sync with the day, making you more productive, energetic, and ready for bed when the time comes. Rise up and relish the mornings with your favorite cup of tea, and start your day with five magic minutes to get grounded.
2. Lean into nature
Not-so-common advice? Lean in. When it comes to winter, there’s a lot of resistance to the change as the world longs for warmer weather and summery distractions. Like all things in nature, winter has a purpose and some lessons to teach us. (And, shouldn’t we let nature take its course?) Finding space to really appreciate the quiet and restfulness of winter can bring us a greater sense of purpose. It’s a suitable time to light some of your favorite candles, pull out your journal, and cozy up without feeling the usual pressure of the hustle and bustle.
3. Up your skincare
Everyone needs an ultra-hydrating skincare routine to combat the harsh effects of winter. Upgrading your rituals to protect against the drying, chilling effects of the season is not only beneficial for your glow, but also for your soul. Pampering your body with a head-to-toe scrub or locking in hydration to keep dryness at bay can keep you feeling beautiful and nourished, inside and out. Not sure where to start? Dr. Renée has got you covered.
4. Connect with pals
Darker days and colder nights can keep us feeling detached from the world, making the season feel even more isolating. Combat loneliness — and strengthen your bonds in the process — by reaching out to your inner circle. Whether you’re meeting up for a sun-filled walk or planning a virtual teatime, increase your energy and share the love with a few of your faves all winter long.
5. Move your body
Tried and true, movement can build your strength, clear your head, and spread some feel-good endorphins throughout your body. Hitting the gym for a sweaty sesh? Enjoy! Planning a dance party with your bestie? That works. Maybe a walk with the fur baby? That’s great, too. Whatever you choose, have fun and adjust your activity to fit your interests and needs. Ready to add some movement right from your living room? Try some virtual yoga to nurture yourself, mind, body, and soul.
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