We made it to February and while the month is associated with all things love and Valentine’s Day, I can honestly say I often struggle with finding much to love in the heart of the winter months.
My immune system is strained, I am tired of the cold and lack of sunlight (hello seasonal affective disorder sufferers) — does this sound familiar? It makes those January resolutions a challenge to meet when your energy is literally at an all-time low — and spring seems like a million light years away.
Because I always challenge myself to find the silver lining on even the cloudiest of February days, one of the plus sides to the dreary winter months is that things inevitably slow down.
They slow down enough for me to take time for self-care.
This month’s Sweet Simplicity is dedicated to ideas to help you inventory your own self-care and find ways to invigorate your mind and body on even the coldest days.
Self-care is key to surviving those days when it is hard to find motivation to do much other than snuggle under a blanket a binge-watch Netflix.
• Mindful Eating: After spending much of December and January eating comfort foods, I am finding myself in need of a food reset.
I am also making it a point to not only be mindful about what foods I eat but how I eat them.
This means making time to enjoy my meals and taking time to enjoy meals with my family.
When you make time for healthy eating, it’s also important to take time to savor your meals.
Avoid eating on the go or while distracted by your phone or TV.
Instead, sit down, take a few deep breaths, and focus on the taste, texture, and enjoyment of your food.
Mindful eating can help you tune in to your body’s hunger cues, preventing overeating and encouraging a more balanced approach to food.
• Stay Connected: I confess, when it is cold outside, I spend a lot of time indoors. I come home from work, promptly put on comfy clothes and find my nearest sofa. Staying connected with loved ones after the holiday season can be challenging as life returns to its usual pace.
The festive energy and frequent gatherings may fade, but maintaining those meaningful connections is crucial for emotional well-being and long-term relationships.
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Below are some ways to keep in touch and strengthen those bonds once the holiday season has passed.
Schedule regular calls, video chats, or meet-ups on the calendar or simply create a group chat with your besties to stay connected.
Whether it’s a weekly phone call, daily group chat or a monthly coffee date, having a set time for connection ensures it becomes a priority in the hustle of everyday life.
• Playfulness is Mindfulness: Recess is not just for kids! Taking time out for playful and restorative activities during your day can completely boost both your mental and physical health. Here are some ways you can use “recess” as self-care:
• Movement breaks: Finding time to stretch or exercise can increase mobility and fitness. Do a quick yoga flow, dance to your favorite song, or take a brisk walk. If games are more your speed, find a frisbee or jump rope! These simple activities can rekindle joy and energize you.
Finally, don’t let the cold weather deter you from enjoying the great outdoors. Taking a nature walk can be a great way to reconnect with nature and shake off the winter doldrums!
• Tap Into Playfulness: Keep a deck of cards, a puzzle, or a board game nearby to play solo or with colleagues. Find ways to be creative by drawing with chalk, playing with clay, or coloring in an adult coloring book for a mental reset. Enlist your friends or colleagues in a mini ping-pong or cornhole game!
• Sensory Breaks: Studies continue to show that sensory activities are important for our mental health! Practice deep breathing exercises or guided meditation outdoors for a change of scenery.
Engage your senses by listening to birds, feeling the grass, or simply enjoying the sun on your skin to ground yourself.
Can’t get outside? Bring the smells of nature inside with aromatherapy oils — essential oils such as lavender, lemon and eucalyptus can help with focus, stress and relaxation.
• Indulge in Quiet Moments: Winter is a great time to curl up and read or listen to a good book or podcast. If you are looking to relax even more, create a quiet nook in your house that overlooks a favorite part of your yard — and snuggle up with a blanket and gaze out your window. I have some of my most relaxing moments watching two of my regular squirrels dash back and forth across my front porch!
• Reconnect With Childhood Joys: Just like recess is not just for kids, neither are some of the activities that gave us such joy.
Go swing on a swing, fly a kite, blow bubbles or color something on your sidewalk with some sidewalk chalk! Take an adventure by exploring interesting leaves or rocks at your local park or nature trail!
Feeling creative? Get some finger paints, crayons, Legos or even blocks and see where the inspiration takes you! You may be happily surprised that the sense of wonder you had as a child is still lurking around!
No matter what you choose, simply set a timer for 10-20 minutes and enjoy every second that you commit to this form of self-care.
You will find the restorative nature to help invigorate you for the really grown-up tasks that you have ahead of you!
(Editor’s Note: Kristine George is a freelance journalist who resides in Easton.)
