Do you dread the cold, dark, and dreary days of winter? For many this is not a problem, but for others it is a time where they just “make it through.” Just like we winterize our cars in preparation for the cold, some of us need to prepare our brains (and body) for the coming winter. We need to “winterize” our brains.
First of all, it’s a great idea to remember that this is only a small part of the year and it will pass. Find ways to bring life into this time before the winter blues get to you. Right now, plan some fun weekends with friends and/or family. Maybe even plan a couple of weekend getaways. Once the cold days of winter hit, it is often difficult to make plans – so do it now.
Start taking those vitamins that protect your body so you don’t get sick. I take colostrum to protect me from the flu and colds. I’ve been doing this for years. I start the first of October and take it straight through until the first of March. I also take zinc and elderberry syrup. I keep on hand natural healers like Boiron Oscillococcinum for flu. For me, as soon as I feel the flu start, I start taking this and it shortens the duration. I also keep Umcka drops for a cold. Again, I start the minute I feel a cold with that first sneeze or sore throat. These are the remedies I use – find what works best for you and keep it on hand.
Remember to also take extra Vitamin D3 during this time of year. According to Healthline.com, “Vitamin D intake is recommended at 400–800 IU/day, or 10–20 micrograms. However, some studies suggest that a higher daily intake of 1000–4000 IU (25–100 micrograms) is needed to maintain optimal blood levels.” If you aren’t sure, have your doctor test your Vitamin D level.
Yummy foods are so comforting to the body and soul! Winter is a good time to move from fried foods to some warm, satisfying soups. You can buy some quality canned ones and keep them on hand for those times you might feel too ill to cook. Better yet, make some homemade soups and keep in the freezer.
Use CBD drops to keep yourself feeling good and your mood light. According to the Depression Alliance, “CBD has been found to be effective in the treatment of depression. While CBD does not cure the condition, it has been linked to improvement of the symptoms. The cannabinoids produced in our bodies (endocannabinoids) help to regulate several functions of the body such as mood, pain sensation, sleep, and appetite.” https://www.depressionalliance.org/cbd-oil/.
I highly recommend Kannaway. I like their testing for purity. If this is something that interests you, please contact me at Judith@WiseHeartCoaching.com and ask me to send you a couple of videos about the product. I think you’ll be surprised how much CBD can improve your life, your mood, your outlook. There is even a bottle that is guaranteed to have zero THC (the hallucinogenic part of the cannabis plant.)
Invest in a “happy lamp.” Amazon is filled with different sizes and prices for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamps. There are even full spectrum light bulbs with an intensity of at least 10,000 lux that reportedly help to adjust your circadian rhythm and lift your mood. You can also easily have a SAD light at your desk at work.
Remember to keep active. Even if it’s cold to the bone outside, go out for a short brisk walk. It will get the blood flowing and help you feel alive and awake. If you have a dog, your dog will love the exercise as well. Go to the gym and at least walk on the treadmill, stretch and move your body. Sitting in front of the boob tube actually leads to depression. Move!
What about an indoor project you’ve been avoiding all year? Now is the time to put together that “to do” list and choose a different project each week. There is nothing like that feeling of accomplishment!
Treat yourself. That’s right! You’ve exercised, walked, and finished a project…now reward yourself. Make a list in advance of small rewards you can give yourself. (Do avoid rewards that are illegal, immoral, or fattening as much as possible). Sometimes a balloon can bring great joy – or how about a pedicure – or a massage? It feels so good to reward yourself. You deserve it!
Another way to reward yourself is to take a cruise or vacation to a tropical isle. However, if you are like me, that isn’t something we can just easily do.
So, how about a Virtual Vacation? That’s right. Using hypnosis, you can leave your body with me and pick it up in an hour! During that hour, I will take you on a Virtual Vacation to any place in the world! You give me all the particulars and I will take you there and let you bask in the amazing ability of your mind to visualize the perfect vacation getaway. Just book a 90-minute session with me at Virtual Vacation. And to make it extra special, through the end of this month, you will be able to go on your Virtual Vacation for only $80!!!
And if you’re not sure that hypnosis is right for you, book your free, 30 minute, no obligation discovery session and we can chat about your needs!
Book here: Free 30 Minute Discovery Session
You’ll make it through the winter – you’ve done it this many years so far!
Hugs! Judith & Riley
Liza says
What great advice!