Seasonal Self-Care To Beat The Winter Blues
Our Tips For Brightening Up Your Daylight Saving Time Slump
Although winter doesn’t technically begin until December 21st, Halloween has passed and Daylight Saving Time is upon us, both of which harken the unofficial start of the season. As if the colder temps weren't enough of a downer, how about shorter and darker days? Seasonal depression can creep up on all of us from time to time, and the pressures of the holiday hustle can be stressful, so it's important to implement some self-care practices now and through the New Year!
Here are our tips:
Try Light Therapy: In climates with seasonal changes, a really big element that differs during the colder months is the amount of natural light we’re exposed to. It isn’t as sunny during the winter because it isn’t as warm, and by the time some of us are done with work it's fully dark. You can combat the adverse effects of not getting enough sunshine by simply making a habit of getting more fresh air during daylight and/or buying a light box with artificial sunlight. It may sound silly, but it really can help brighten your mood!
Eating Vitamin D rich foods such as salmon, mushrooms, and egg yolks, and/or taking a Vitamin D supplement can also help!
Take a Trip: This is easier said than done, and not everyone can afford a lavish trip to The Bahamas, but even getting out of town for a short, local trip on the weekend, or exploring places in your own neighborhood, can give you something to look forward to!
Switch Up Your Diet: We don’t mean actually dieting, but trying new foods and recipes can help switch up the boring and monotonous work/eat/bed routine we all get in the habit of doing during hibernation season. It seems small, but making something new can bring you and yours together to work on something in the kitchen and the payoff is great all around. We are what we eat, EVOLVhers!
Practice Yoga + Meditation: When you’re already feeling lethargic, introspection might seem like the least tempting thing, but looking inward can truly help clear your mind. And the great thing about these practices, is that they can be done anywhere. Keep a yoga mat by your desk and force yourself to stretch out every few hours. Or make it a point to stretch before bed. Same with meditating! You can find meditation guides online or try one of the dozens of free apps. Just put your headphones on, close your eyes, and let it take you away.
Reach Out to Friends: If you feel like you’re going through something, you are definitely not alone. It is simply a fact that everyone lays dormant throughout the winter. The holidays can be super busy, but make sure to find ways to connect with family and friends after the party season ends by hosting movie/game/wine nights, a book club, a bake-off, you get the idea!
Treat Yourself (And Your Locks): Our UltraRepair Reconstructing Masque repairs hair that has been compromised by color or bleach processing, heat styling, or environmental factors like wind and winter weather. It’s highly effective for smoothing coarse, curly, or frizz-prone hair and protecting it from breakage, dehydration, tangles, and split ends. It also happens to be the perfect weekly self-care ritual for a mindful “me-time" moment.
We know it may seem impossible to find the energy to check in with yourself when it’s cold, the news cycle is overwhelming, and work never ends, but if you can get into a routine outside of work and basic adulting, we guarantee you will feel more balanced in all aspects of life. Cheers to making the best of the changing seasons and the changing clocks!
