There are plenty of reasons for us all to be perennially stressed, something often exacerbated by cold weather and lack of sunshine. While these are facts, that doesn’t mean we have to passively accept them. There are little tweaks to our habits and mindset that can have surprisingly big impacts.
To set us on the right course we turned to Petra Kolber, vice president of personal development and mindset at BODi, and asked her to share her top tips for doing just that.
Get outside.
“As we move towards the last few weeks of the season, getting outside into nature and the winter sunshine, will warm up your mind and outlook. Bundle up, pop your favorite positivity playlist onto your digital device (even more joy to be felt) and get outside for a brisk walk. Walking outdoors is a sure way to keep a spring in your step even during these final winter days.”
Be realistic.
“While starting the year off or a new month, our expectations of how we may have planned to live this year ‘perfectly’ and finally crush our goals may have worn off. And what we do not realize, is that as our well-meaning resolutions dissolve, our feelings of disappointment in our inability to ‘follow through’ increase. Take these last few winter weeks to go inward and nurture yourself. Now is the time to let go of the external ideals that we often try to live up to. Write down what realistic steps you can take daily, to create a lifestyle that is healthy and sustainable for the long game, not just the short term.”
Do a social media detox.
“Colder days can often find us bundled up on the couch and scrolling social media. Turn one day a week into a Social Media Detox Day. Notice how much better you feel when you stop scrolling as you watch other people’s “highlight reel” and start engaging fully in your own magnificent life.
Use the power of touch.
“Connection is one of the greatest gifts we can use to boost our mood. The past two years may have made us a bit wary of hugs, but human connection and touch is a powerful way to elevate our mood. Research is showing that giving and receiving a hug for 20 seconds or more releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin. Single? No problem before you get out of bed, give yourself a 20 second hug. This simple yet radical act of self-love will set your day off on a positive note.”
Express gratitude.
Speaking of notes, the best way to boost your own mood is to boost someone else’s. For the rest of the winter, send out a daily gratitude note via text to someone who has made an impact in your life. Include in the text exactly how they helped you, and why you are grateful. Not only will your note make your friends day, notice just how good you also feel as you press send.”
