If you’re experiencing the Winter Blues, here are 5 simple and healthy ways to reduce stress and lift your spirits:
1. KEEP FIT
It can be hard to motivate yourself to go to the gym or even go outside. Even if you don’t have time for a long workout, a few minutes of exercise per day can reduce stress. Try walking (or biking) around the block for 10 minutes every day. Do some quick exercises like push-ups, lunges or squats while watching the evening news. When you have more time, increase the duration and intensity of your exercise. Moving your body not only reduces stress, but it gets your heart pumping and boosts your mood.
2. LISTEN TO MUSIC YOU LOVE
Listening to music can lift your spirits and reduce psychological tension. Studies show that music helps us relax. Skip the talk radio and listen to tunes that you absolutely love. It will calm your mind. Instead of turning on the television when you get home, play some music. Also, dancing is another great stress buster!
3. ALWAYS FIND TIME TO LAUGH
Do you remember that saying: “Laughter is the best medicine?” It’s true. Laughter helps relieve stress and muscle tension. There are so many ways to catch something funny… you can watch your favorite comedian “live” or “on screen” (thanks to Netflix and YouTube). Humor activates the release of endorphins, increases your intake of oxygen and stimulates the heart.
4. GET SOME SUNSHINE
Sunshine stimulates the release of a hormone in your body that relieves stress. It may be difficult to catch some sun due to the shorter winter days, but try to get out in the sun at least once a day – even during your lunch break.
5. PAMPER YOURSELF
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous when you go out! Invest in a warm and stylish coat. Not only will it keep you warm, but you will also look nice. Keep your feet warm with some fashionable winter boots. I personally love my UGG boots since they are warm and stylish. When you love the way you look, you are happier and less stressed out.
Edna Dimataga-Fernandez founded The Wellness Institute in 2013. The company utilizes a holistic model of wellness consulting focusing on the 6 dimensions of organizational well-being: physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual & financial health. The Wellness Institute provides holistic health assessments, corporate well-being workshops & wellness consultations with holistic health practitioners. Wellness-Spring, the company’s holistic health store, sells organic & non-toxic health & beauty products. A portion of the proceeds is donated back to causes that support women, children, health, wellness & education. She has worked & consulted for companies in the insurance & financial services industry, the medical & behavioral health field and the non-profit sector. Edna holds a B.A. in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a Past President (2010-11) of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors - Los Angeles Chapter and is an approved Continuing Education Provider for the California Department of Insurance.