Getting Through Winter Moods

Sometimes the wintry weather can bring on a big fall in energy levels and mood. If these changes cause you great difficulty then therapy may help you to understand how you might respond effectively.

However, as well as going to therapy, you can also take a few steps to help you get out of the end of year rut, or even avoid getting into it, such as;-

1. Keep moving.

Regular exercise has been found to have beneficial effect on mood and motivation. Try not to worry about planning your exercise schedule too much, just get out and do it. Even a regular daily walk can have long term benefits. Short bursts of activity have been shown to add up, so ten minutes here and there will do you good as well as the hour at the gym if you have the time. If the weather is too bad then join a gym: some public gyms charge per session rather than an annual fee.

2. Get online.

The internet is a great place for meeting new friends and even partners. While you need to be safe online, more and more people are meeting online. Some estimates suggest 30% of people are meeting their other halves on the interweb. It's cheaper than pubs and clubs (not that there's anything wrong with them if that's your thing) and there's less pressure to perform and put on a front.

3. Stay in touch with family and friends

Being social is a positive factor in long term health and outlook so it is important to stay in touch with those close to you. During the dark nights it takes a lot of effort to drag yourself from the telly but get out there and keep mingling.

4. Eat well

You know it already, so start your shop in the fresh veggie section and focus on fresh rather than processed foods.

5. Meditate

Twenty minutes (or even ten minutes once you become practiced at it) can be a great way to ground yourself for the day or relax at the end of it. Meditation takes a while to get used to so it's normal not to get it at first. Keep trying and eventually you will experience the benefits of it.

6. Do a course

Pick a night course for the winter and learn something about a subject you love. It will keep you active and you might meet a new best friend forever.

7. Reflect on the good in your life and on the possibility for change and growth. It's never too late.

Hopefully the above will give you some ideas to work with this winter. Just remember to strive for progress and not perfection!

Call us if you need to meet with one if our accredited and supervised therapists - 0876666425 or 01-4545646.