How to Stay Positive this Winter
I’ve spoken to many friends, students in my yoga classes and family members who find this time of year challenging. The short days and little sunlight, anxiety around social gatherings or just plain fatigue are some reasons we all find it so hard.
And as comforting as it is to know that we’re all in this together, there are some things we can do to ease our discomfort at this time of year...
Create a great, non-negotiable routine
In the morning and evening, have a routine that you LOVE and stick to it. Waking up and dedicating some time to yourself and doing something simple that makes you feel good can change the outlook of your whole day or evening.
This is what my list of promises, to myself, looks like:
Breathwork in the morning
Cold shower (10 - 30 seconds)
10 + minutes reading when I can
Some form of movement (yoga/weights/walk) morning or evening
Herbal tea and meditation (1+ minute) at bedtime
I’ve kept them simple things that I know make me feel better if I do them. Try it, and be curious about how it makes you feel!
Gratitude Journal
The winter months and end of the year can seem never-ending, especially with shorter days. That coupled with incessant buying of gifts can make us feel pretty lost at times.
Writing a gratitude journal is a proven way to create focus, resilience and foster a sense of peace. By bringing awareness to what we already have, our energy goes towards contemplating and looking after those things, rather than thinking we need anything that we don’t already have.
A simple journaling prompt I like to use:
What are 3 things I am grateful for today?
Get outside!
This is the most simple tip, yet can be the most challenging to find time for (especially if it rains a lot where you live!)
However, getting outside into natural light, especially into nature is such a powerful way to recharge and ground in the winter time. Find some time in your day to go outside, even if just into your garden or onto the street at lunchtime. Feel the wind, temperature of the air, notice the ground underneath you, and listen to sounds you hear around you.
Being outside can create so much presence, which in turn leads to a more positive frame of mind.
Talk to someone
Please don’t suffer in silence. If you are feeling down, reach out to a family member, friend, colleague or someone from a service that you can talk to. This time of year can be tough, and chances are someone else is going through exactly the same thing as you.
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Tash is a yoga and breathwork teacher who holds women’s circles, retreats and events internationally. Find out more about Tash here.
