It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for the new Friday Five 2.0. The theme for this week is “winter activities.” I pretty much do the same activities in winter as every season – run, work, blog, fitness classes, etc. I received a helpful email recently from my health plan (of all places!) It was called “5 Tips for Beating the Winter Blues.” The author, Jennifer Tsappis, is a licensed therapist who works for the teletherapy service Live Health Online.
Here are Jennifer’s tips:
1. Get outside. Natural sunlight helps to boost mood, and just a few minutes of fresh air during the day can lower stress.
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise improves mood, reduces stress chemicals and supports healthy sleep.
3. Eat well. A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, as well as an intake of vitamins, helps to sustain natural energy. [Enter to win my Fawen Drinkable Soup Giveaway HERE for more delicious, portable veggie options.]
4. Stay in touch. Connecting with friends and family can significantly reduce feelings of sadness and anxiety.
5. Reach out. If you experience significant mood changes during the seasons and are struggling to cope, consider talking to a mental health professional.
These are great tips. My bonus tip for today (sorry for being political) is to ignore all television and radio today. I. Can’t. Deal. [I promise to act responsibly from here forward to do my best to contribute to a better society in act, deed and dollar after one day of ignorant bliss.]
In an amazing turn of good fortune, I have a great opportunity this weekend that will lift my spirits. I’m fighting the winter blues this weekend by taking today off to attend a long-weekend running retreat with Lululemon Chicago! I get to meet new people, learn new things, run outside, eat well and connect with the running community. Oh, and I get to test out some great new gear and keep it!! I see my winter blues melting away!
How do you beat the winter blues? What do you have on tap for the weekend?
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!