I'm not going to get into the origins of seasonal depression or fatigue. We know it exists. So what do we do about it? A rule of life in general can be used in this case, of course. What you resist, persists. That means, the more we resist how we feel, the stronger the feeling will get. Conversely, this too shall pass. So let yourself feel how you feel and know that it's not forever. Honor your mind, body and spirit and give it the rest it needs right now.
If you want to get out of any type of funk, the key is to do and strive for the opposite of what you're feeling. If you're tired, move around and be active. If you're angry or sad, curl up on the couch and watch a funny movie, listen to your favorite music or read a good book. Changing your thoughts helps a lot too. Visualization really does help with this. So, I wasn't kidding about that visualization tool!
As for practical tools, there are quite a few things you can do to get through the brutal winter months...
*NOTE: I chose not to separate advice based on disabilities because even if snow blocking me outside in piles wasn't an issue, I'd still prefer to live without any snow at all.*
Stock up on hot beverages and foods like soup. The heat in the house may not be good for your allergies or sinuses and it may also make you feel more tired and depressed. So do what you can do keep yourself warm without turning the heat up! Tea will also help if you have bad sinuses and allergies in the winter. It beats taking a pill!
- Take vitamin D. If you're like me, you hate the cold and snow. Instead of moaning and groaning because I'm not out in the sun as much until spring (and until the day I have my dream house in a warmer climate), I make sure to drink lots of water and eat foods I know will boost my mood, as well as take a multivitamin. Vitamin D is especially important because that's what comes from sunlight.
- Exercise. Dance. Movement. Anything to keep your blood flowing and oxygen coming in.
- Keep that vibration up! Do things you know will make you happy; listen to uplifting music, watch your favorite funny movie, read a good book (none of the sappy stuff), do anything that will keep your thoughts happy and mood lifted. I learned a great tool from a spiritual healer of "cancel, cancel". Anytime you think or say something negative, cancel it and the universe will honor that. If all else fails, sage the house!
- Don't be too much of a hermit. Surround yourself with the people you love. Laugh and chat with them as often as possible!
- On the other hand, here's one for the empaths. We always have to be selective with whom we share our energy, so make sure you do extra grounding and protecting every day. Not only can the winter woes get you down, but so can the energy of others who are feeling the same. I still recommend hanging out with those you love, but remember to ground and protect yourself first!
- Do a visualization of being somewhere warmer. I can't promise you an "I Dream of Jeannie" transport, but it will warm you up!
Did it ever occur to you that this can also be an energetic thing? I wanted to wake up earlier in the new year but I've also decided to listen to my body and rest, even just mentally (meditation) when I need to. Winter doesn't have to suck. No day, week, month or year has to suck. You determine whether it does or not. Stop giving your power away to negativity by complaining.
Oh and by the way, it is my dream to live in a place without cold winters or snow. That's totally fine too. Just visualize and be excited about that coming instead of bitching about that annoying white stuff where your grass used to be or being unable to feel your toes. I haven't ever felt mine and my broken toes, cuts and bruises over the years are very thankful for that LOL. Sorry, paralysis joke!
