The January Blues

The Christmas and New Year festivities came to a rapid stop and I found myself extremely exhausted. Not just because of the busyness of it all, but because we are now deep into the heart of winter.
I didn't grow up in a place where winter exists, so I find myself still adjusting to it all! And to add to this one, it is my first as a mother. In past years, I could curl up in bed when I was feeling lethargic and selfishly wait upon my own needs. Now I don't have those luxuries. My little one sees to it that I am on my feet most the day!

I don't consider myself to actually be clinically diagnosed as one with seasonal depression, however I do have many of the symptoms: Random headaches, mood swings so strong they could knock you over, lack of energy to do anything productive whatsoever, always tired but not able to sleep well. Can anyone relate? The lack of sunlight (vitamin d) has a major effect over me! I just can't seem to shake off the January Blues!

Except, this January, I am determined to not let it shake me dry. I have made a few changes to my daily routine, to see if I can get out of the winter slump. And it appears to be working! Here are a few helpful tips that might help the person who is feeling as I am.

#1 Wake up early

I have set my alarm clock to 6 AM. I have found this to be vital in setting a productive tone for the rest of my day. Especially now as a mother, I find that getting up early, having that cup of coffee, time spent with God, before the rest of the world is awake, changes everything!

#2 Exercise

If you don't exercise already start now! I find it helpful and refreshing to the body and mind to get out into the cold winter air. If you like taking walks, don't let the bitter cold keep you confined to the indoors (the air is stale inside). I decided it was about time I start jogging again, so the journey of slowly working up the miles has just begun.

#3 Drink lots of water

I have a habit of getting to the end of the day and thinking, "I should have drunk more water today!" By the time I am thinking this thought, it is too late and I have a headache or chapped lips. I am making the conscious effort to begin and end the day with a glass of water and a lot more in between.

#4 Do something productive

For me, this means to have atleast accomplished one thing on my to do list, by the end of the day. Clean that bathroom and kitchen. Don't wait till spring! It feels so good to get to the end of the day, with one less thing stacked up for the next.

#5 Eat healthy

If I am eating 3 good meals a day, it helps keep me from snacking every hour or so (I am a notorious snacker!) And, by all means, if I want to bake cookies, I will. It is a wonderful time of the year to put in that extra baking. I just don't want to only be eating sweets and comfort foods (which is quite easy to do in these winter months).

Well folks, please excuse me if you already knew all these things ;)

And I would love to hear how you cope with the winter weather!