Beat The Winter Blues

With the dark nights drawing in and the promise of Jack Frost nipping at your nose, it can be difficult to remain positive and even to want to venture outside when both four-thirties in the day are dark. It may look glum out there but your outlook doesn’t have to be. I will share many simple things you can do to stay positive.

If you’re on a budget and you can’t stretch to a Sunnier climate don’t despair, there are many alternative ways of injecting a bit of sunshine into your winter days. So let’s fill your diary with people and dates to look forward to, invite people round and keep life vibrant even though the sky outside is dull. Keep warm, keep active and keep those spirits positive. Here are my top tips in more detail.

1: Consider braving the elements as research shows that exercising outside can lift your spirits. Wrap up warm and get those endorphins  flowing.

2: Smells are a clever way of igniting memories of happier times. Get some fragrances in the home that remind you of sunny days, close your eyes and take yourself there.

3: Get inspiration from Christmas recipes or go for some delicious lunches. Try some scrumptious new food that warms you from the inside.

4: I’m well aware that you probably want to hibernate but socialising is a very powerful way to boost your mood, so get some dates in your diary with different groups of friends. Organise a games night, a girly night, a pamper night or even a charity night. The possibilities of filling up your evenings out or in are only limited by your creativity. Go for it, surprise yourself and come up with some phenomenal ideas of ways that you and your friends can brighten your evenings without spending a penny!

5: Music has a huge impact on your mood, so get playing your favourite tracks and bust some of your favourite moves. Extend that further with a trip down memory lane with some old photos.

6: Keep up with your routines of going to the gym and making an effort on these dark nights because once you get to where you’re going, you’ll be glad you made the effort.

7: Consider trying a new hobby which in turn will help you meet new groups of people. There are so many events and clubs happening all over the place, you’re spoilt for choice. The only difficult decision is which one to try first.

8: Be practical, let’s keep the heat in and think about changing to some thicker curtains and extra blankets on the bed to keep you snuggly warm.

9: If you do decide to stay in more then take advantage of this extra time where you can slow down and work on your personal growth. Light some candles, find some peace and have some time out. Start to wind down from the craziness of Summer Nights.

10: Start to think about the future, plan ahead and get some goals in your diary. We all have aspirations for change in 2016.

11: Start a new book and finish all those old jobs so that you go into the new year with a brand new slate.

12: Don’t forget to take care of your skin in this harsh weather and make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need in these winter months.Well, it’s not all bad for us ladies. We can lay off the constant shaving of our legs and we can all enjoy some hot toddies! I embrace my fake tan, get my thermals on under my clothes and I hold onto my summer wardrobe as long as I can, clutching my flip-flops and still carrying my sunglasses wherever I go. My hot water bottle becomes my best friend and I don’t leave home without it. I’ve learnt to embrace the cold weather, to be grateful for what it brings and dance in the rain. I love watching the snow while snuggled up beside an open fire, it can feel quite magical. So embrace these cooler months with a warm heart and you’ll have the best winter ever.