Beat the Winter Blues!
| Published: 2nd January 2008 16:39 |
Winter! It’s dark when you get up and go to work and it’s dark when you get home. All you want to do is hibernate and forget you ever made those unrealistic, unwanted New Year’s Resolutions.
So much emphasis is put on January 1st, the first day of a brand new year, a time to make huge changes and big decisions, that most people buckle under the pressure and come down with a real case of the Winter Blues.
Local community website AboutMyArea/DE74 is your one-stop shop for everything you need to help tackle the January doldrums. From a directory listing the location of your local gyms, health clubs, beauticians, parks and tourist attractions, to information about forthcoming events and activities for all the family. From food reviews of your favourite restaurants to film reviews of the latest flick.
We at AboutMyArea/DE74 have done some investigating and come up with some fun and easy ways to brighten up the dark winter months:
- Go Outside! Take some time for yourself even if it’s just a stroll down to the end of your road and back. Getting some fresh air in your lungs improves your mood no end.
- Get Green Fingered. The garden is probably feeling the winter blues too, so tackle the old shrubs, prune the foliage and plant some bulbs. Before you know it the garden will be filled with colour and life. What a reward….and you get fit too!
- Let There Be Light. Buy a daylight bulb. They give off a more natural light and more daylight hours in the darker months can really help lighten the mood.
- Aromatherapy. Essential oils have great benefits physically and mentally, helping to improve health and alertness and keep the mind clear. Choose Lavender to relax, citrus oils like Bergamot and Pink Grapefruit to uplift and revive and Peppermint for a physical and mental boost.
- Smile, It’s Infectious! Even if you’re having a less than fantastic day, try to see the funny side to something. When you feel the corners of your mouth turning down, think of something you love and turn that frown upside down.
- Strut Your Funky Stuff! From Belly to Pole, from Disco to Dad, dancing not only brings up the heart rate and is a great form of exercise; it’s a fantastic way to break a bad mood. Fling your arms and legs about and dance like no-one’s looking. Or why not join a local Salsa group and make some New Year friends while you’re at it.
- Pack Up Your Troubles! If you really can’t stand the cold and dark, book a last minute break and get some sun. Or why not take a trip to your local beauticians and fake it with a fabulous spray on tan.
- Get Cosy. Think big coat, warm gloves and woolly hat for comfy, cosy outdoor exploring or tuck yourself up at home with a good book, thick duvet and a hot drink. We think the best kind of warmth is from a cuddle, so grab a pal or loved one and give them a squeeze!
- Party On! Don’t follow the crowd; celebrate your new year whenever you want. Throwing an impromptu party is a great way to cheer everyone up.
- Be a Better Friend. Don’t put off calling that long lost pal anymore, pick up the phone and dial. Write a letter, send a card, give a compliment or even just find the time to call your mum and tell her you love her. When you’re nice to someone, you immediately feel better.
- Get Natural – There are lots of ways to get that extra boost you are looking for try vitamins, natural health supplements or Herbal medicines. Many people believe they help the immune system to combat winter colds, lack of sunshine and detox your system after the festive excess.
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