Winter might be the season of goodwill and peace to all mankind, but it’s also a problematic time of year. The coldest months of the year tend to take their toll in a number of unexpected ways, and no matter how much you’re ready for the change, it still always manages to come as something as a shock.
At the moment, you’re probably still enjoying the benefits of fall and looking forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving. However, winter is lurking on the horizon, waiting to pounce and sew discord into your usually ordered life. If you generally follow the advice on Mom and More and always try to live a healthy and beneficial lifestyle, you might be surprised by how much winter can change your outlook and experience. While it’s likely you’re still going to find yourself pulled under winter’s spell, being aware of the areas of your life that might require a little more attention over the winter period could make all the difference for you this year.
Winter vs. Your Mental Health
Winter can take a real toll on your mental health. Even if you don’t have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), most of us have a tendency to react poorly to the lack of daylight and plummeting temperatures. Even during the busiest winter period, Christmas, try to take some time for yourself to ensure your mind is in good condition. Self-care and giving yourself a break can be key to this.
Winter vs. Your Motivation
We all tend to suffer from a lack of motivation in winter. It’s cold, the days are alarmingly short, and you’re not going to want to go outside for fear of frostbite. This can mean you spend a lot of time putting off tasks; there’s a reason why last-minute Christmas shopping is such a constant feature for most of us. Give yourself the time to work through a to-do list and don’t have any unreasonable expectations of yourself; slow and steady definitely wins the race on this one.
Winter vs. Your Eating Habits
A tendency to overeat during the winter months is not surprised; our bodies want more fat to help protect us from the cold. If you find yourself struggling with a seemingly ceaseless appetite, then add nuts into your diet. Nuts are a proven appetite suppressant, meaning that you will be able to maintain a healthy diet, and forgo the need for the traditional January weight-loss efforts.
Winter vs. Your Time Management
When the days are shorter, it can feel like you have less time– even though the number of hours in the “day” hasn’t changed. Time management during winter is all about perception; get yourself acclimatized to running errands in the dark, so the short days of winter are less of a shock to your system.
Thankfully, winter is not a time of nothing but misery, discomfort, and feeling out of sorts. There’s plenty of fun, glitter, and family excitement to see you through to spring. By keeping an eye on all of the aforementioned areas, you stand a good chance of getting through with a smile still on your face.
