5 ways I’m beating the seasonal blues
Originally Written December 3 2018
Happy Monday Friends!
It’s bright and sunny and I am about to head out for a walk as my warm up for my workout: why? because this whole sun setting at 330 pm has really put a damper on my Christmas spirit. I should be used to it by now since I have been living in the Northeast my whole life (except for a couple of glorious months in Australia and Ireland) but this year has FELT so much worse.
At first, I thought I was just tired from work. Which is partly true. But on Saturday I woke up early to go to a continuing education course (which was awesome!!) BUT we were inside from 8am-2pm and then I popped over to a friends house to drop something off. By the time I was making my way back to Brighton for a workout and hang time THE SUN WAS SETTING. I was driving at 330pm and the sun was setting!!!! I know this happens every year but I still couldn’t believe it.
I literally got home and wanted to head straight to bed and a movie. BUT I didn’t. (it took a lot of effort).
That’s when I realized this change of seasons is hitting me a little harder than I thought. So how am I combatting this seasonal change in mood?
well, I haven’t figured it all out yet, but here are my current top 5 favorite ways:
Top 5 Ways I am Fighting MY Seasonal Blues:
Leave my house: It’s so easy to turn into a hermit this time of year, especially since a lot of my work is serving and helping others. I can feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by the end of the week/day, But making the effort to be social OUTSIDE of my house 1-2 times a week has been really rewarding and making me happy.
Move my body: you, you could have seen this one coming. Do Something active. Get your blood flowing, stretch, walk, lift weights. Exercise= endorphins, endorphins= happy
Drink More Water: I feel like utter crap when I am dehydrated. That on top of not enough vitamin D is a disaster for my body. think headache, fatigue, stomachache, etc. I am doing my best to stay uber hydrated this season. I also find that most of the time when I start snacking on sweets, it’s because I am dehydrated. My hydroflask is now attached to my hip.
Take a Walk Outside: Even if it is freezing, I try to walk to and from work everyday. This is a luxury that I currently have and I am soaking it in. The little bit of time outdoors helps making me feel like I am not locked inside all day. Today, I am planning on walking to work but also doing a little walk around the neighborhood as my workout warm up— why? because it is extra sunny out today and I spent ALL of yesterday indoors doing Sunday things and decorating!
Essential Oils: Uplifting essential oils like wild orange, tangerine, bergamot or my go to as perfume. I currently wear my confident and sassy blend everyday (available for purchase!!) which has patchouli, balance, wild orange and bergamot. It is equall parts grounding and relaxing as uplifting and energizing. Doterra’s cheer blend (especially in the roller ball) is a staple that I bring to work with me.
This are just a couple of my current favorite ways to fight MY season blues. I am NOT a mental health doctor and this post is not meant as treatment OR diagnosis. This is me sharing my experience. If you think you are experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or depression, please reach out to a trusted healthcare professional.
If you want to learn more about how to use exercises and essential oils to support your health and mood, shoot me an email at contact@kerrymcginn.com!!