By Lori Hanson
Are you tired of winter yet? Had enough of the snow and cold? Wish you could go to a tropical island and warm up? If you live in a cold weather place, by February winter can get old. With the shorter days, being too cold to go outside for long and noticing that last summer’s tan has long since faded.
Here’s three tips to help you blast the blahs and stay energized until the warmth of spring weather arrives.
1. Eat a hot breakfast
One thing that really helps on a cold day is to eat a hot breakfast. Have some old-fashioned oatmeal topped with berries, a side of eggs and a cup of hot green tea to get your day started off on the right foot. You’ll feel energized, healthy and ready to face the day. Keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water or herbal tea.
2. Visualize a warm comfortable place
Take 5-10 minutes a day, when you first wake up to visualize enjoying yourself in your favorite warm weather activity. You can also indulge your visualization by taking a mid-morning or afternoon break. Close your eyes and make your movie vivid. Experience every detail of being on a hike with the family, your best friend or your dog. Smell the pine trees, feel the warm breeze as it flows through your hair, taste the sandwiches you’ve brought for lunch and bask in the view.
3. Get daily exercise
Take 20-30 minutes every day to get some exercise. Mix your exercise up with cardio and resistance training. By getting your blood pumping you’ll lift your spirits, increase endorphins and make yourself healthier. If it’s too cold to walk, get on a treadmill. If you don’t want to go out in the cold to the gym, do an exercise DVD. (This is a no-excuses proposition).
Challenge yourself to think of things you can do to lift your spirits and get you through until the April showers bring May flowers.
©2013
