There are some worthy yoga apps for newbies and experts alike that you can put on your smartphone or tablet device.
Confession: February is probably my least favorite month of the year.
Between post-holiday despressoin, the lack of Vitamin D and the overall dreary weather, I find myself riding the struggle bus without much motivation to help improve my mood.
The walks I take after work — the ones that help me look and feel better — are much harder to do when it is cold, wet and dark when I get home from work.
My favorite salads and breakfasts — all chock full of healthy produce — are so much more expensive and not as tasty to prepare.
Any of this sound familiar?
If you are experiencing even a little bit of the mid-winter blahs, here are some of my tried and true self-care hacks that help me get through each day:
• Move It: I am not a gym person and exercise has never been something that I particularly enjoy.
The beautiful thing about movement is that it does not have to be on a treadmill or a stationary bike — it can be as simple as having a 5-minute dance party with your spouse or kids!
If you are at work, try adding a few steps to your day by challenging yourself to move more each day.
My coworkers have a fun step challenge — I’m not winning it, but it has made me move more each day — and it has me tracking my daily steps.
You can do this on your smart phone or a wearable device to track your progress and there are countless apps that can track your progress over time.
You can even challenge your friends or coworkers to see who can get the most steps each day!
Make it fun! That extra movement will go a long way to helping you feel better!
Not a walker? There are lots of exercise programs on demand that can make fitness a little easier and a little more accessible for even the busiest folks.
Of course, you should always have your doctor’s OK before beginning any workout routine — and while nothing will take the place of a personal trainer or live person, having an on-demand option on your TV or smart device at 5 a.m. is a great alternative that certainly beats hitting the snooze alarm. Start small — a 10- or 15-minute workout is a great start!
These baby steps will get you in the habit of moving and will build your strength, stamina and confidence to either add more rigorous activities or a live class at your favorite gym or fitness session.
Adding exercise to your self care routine may seem like adding one more thing to the schedule but increasing your physical activity will offer many health benefits that make it well worth adding to your schedule!
The most important thing is to create a routine that works for you.
• Find Your Zen: We have all read about the health benefits of yoga- better circulation, posture, increased overall well-being and energy.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes my calendar and bank account prevent me from making it to any kind of yoga class — not to mention my intense phobia of wearing exercise clothes in public.
There are some worthy apps for newbies and experts alike that you can put on your smartphone or tablet device. Reviews are solid for “Five Minute Yoga” (great for beginners) and “Pocket Yoga.”
If you are looking for a non-Yoga way to de-clutter your mind and reduce anxiety — or just the effects of that late afternoon coffee, there are some great meditation apps out there as well!
Headspace and Calm are great and popular options that you can install on your phone or tablet.
• Spread Out Holidays: One of the things that drives me crazy each and every winter is the fact that I am so busy with activities and family gatherings in December — and then all of that fun comes to a screeching halt in the New Year.
It’s kind of depressing, isn’t it? Why not use some of the other lesser known holidays as an excuse to gather with those that you love?
It could be as simple as having a February family potluck or a Friends Game Night — after all, isn’t that what makes the holiday season so wonderful: Looking forward to planned gatherings with those we love the most?
Have a Moms Night-In where everyone comes together to binge watch your favorite Netflix shows (“Emily In Paris” is wonderful if you need a show to binge, by the way).
Food and fellowship are always great ways to boost a mood!
(Editor’s Note: Kristine George is a freelance journalist who resides in Easton.)
