Sometimes, it can be tough on many during the winter months. Not always physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The darker days, longer nights, and cold outside. This setting can lead to sorrowful and depressing emotions, and thoughts, and can overall make you feel blue. Studies have shown that the sun serves as a mood booster, providing warmth, and light and increases serotonin. This depletes in the winter when the sun is less direct and it is darker for longer periods. And after all the holiday thrill, fun, and excitement, which distract most- until it’s over. Then the symptoms begin to return.
So here are a few tips on how to stay joyful, positive, and feeling good, that will last you all winter long!
1. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses the power of essential oils or other aromatic contents to help boost your mood, relieve pain, depression, and anxiety, and bring relaxation to the body. They are natural, and plant-based oils. Dropping a bit in a humidifier with water will help you out can fill your room with delight! You can also wear these fragrances on your body. Around the neck, on your lymph nodes and toes. Dabbing a little here and there in the morning, after school, after you shower, before bed. Trust me, you will feel the difference!
Sage – Boost Mood
Sweet Orange – Boost Mood, Reduce Stress
Chamomile – Reduce Stress
Lavender – Reduce Anxiety, Reduce Stress, Relax the Body
Rose – Relax the Body
Combined lavender and Damascus rose – Antidepressant Effect
Yuzu – Reduce Anxiety, Antidepressant Effect
2. Mood-Boosting Workouts
Get your body moving in a fun and healthy way, with mood-boosting workouts! Exercise is a great way to stay healthy, fit, and feel good. And instead of boring, painful workouts, they are workouts that will still help break a sweat and burn calories but with good beats and fun movements! Don’t forget that stretching daily is also great to help your body feel good. Check them out below:
MonikaFit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFai116E69M
Growwithjo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_osxAQZ3r-U
Pilates Stretch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptj-NEb5oB4
3. Music
Turn up the radio with some of your favorite uplifting jams! Did you know that music can lessen the impact of anxiety and depression? Well, it has proven to be true. To start, create a playlist of songs to listen to throughout the day. You can do this on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
Here’s a great YouTube playlist with upbeat songs!
4. Fill Up on Sunlight
Even if there are only a few hours of full sunshine before dark (usually around 5 pm), try to take advantage of the opportunity. Try going on a quick 10-minute walk with a jacket in the morning before or after school, and choose to sit by the window more when you read, do homework, or even work on the computer.
5. Mood Food
Food can also play a role in helping you feel better. Of course, it’s not the best to indulge in cake and ice cream every time you’re feeling blue. You don’t have to completely cut foods like that out of your diet, just eat them occasionally and in moderation. Some healthy food choices that can help you feel better, physically and mentally are things like:
Dark Chocolate
Bananas
Nuts and Seed
Berries
Coffee
Fish
Oats
food list sourced by healthline.com and cnet.com
6. Interact with others
The joy of being with others is a connection that all humans need. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right people to hang around since a lot of people nowadays are very toxic and brutal. But the are also people out there who are positive and want to have a good time, drama-free with their friends. One of the best ways to meet new friendly faces is through extracurricular activities. These out-of-school spaces can give you the freedom to do fun and enjoyable activities around your interests, and you can connect with others at the same time! Even if you are an introvert, don’t be afraid to speak up and talk with someone new. Being around peers with similar (or even different) interests as you can help spark new, fun, and exciting conversations.
Here are some great after-school meet-ups and teen events:
Teen Advisory Board – Homewood
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To sum it all up, I hope you’ll consider taking part in these practices daily, and let me know in the comments how it goes for you! It’s important to do daily check-ins with yourself as well, to be aware of yourself and your feelings. I recommend buying or creating your own Mood Tracker to write in daily. I believe you will see over time, things will get better and better.
Remember that you are loved, you are accepted, and you got this!
– Jaina
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SHOP MOOD MERCH 🎉🎉🎉
coming soon ~~~~
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Disclaimer: The statements made in this document are not to treat or cure any depression, anxiety, and any other mood/temperament disorders. If you deal with or start noticing signs of depression, consult a health professional. The content above is only a series of suggestions and tips to help in areas needed.
