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 “Spring Fitness Goals.” Strangely enough, I’m having trouble landing on SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Limited) goals for my spring fitness. Maybe that’s because I’m having some winter blues. So, I’m going to go with five ways to fight the winter blues.
1. Plan a vacation. If you live somewhere cold like me, planning a vacation or some long weekends away can be a lifeline. There are actually some studies that show people who make vacation plans are happier. I know that I’m happier when I have something to look forward to!
2. Get outside and get some fresh air. The air may be chilly but fresh air and sunshine just make you feel better. Lack of Vitamin D from sunlight can wreak havoc on your moods. I work from home much of the time, so I get cabin fever. Even running errands midday on a sunny day can brighten my mood.
3. Visit with friends. Sometimes it’s easy to be a hermit in winter here in Chicago. I always feel better when I meet up with friends. I try to say “yes” to meeting up with people as much as possible.
4. Exercise! I like to combine 2, 3 and 4 and go running outside with my friends. It’s a win-win-win. I’ve also signed up for a bunch of fun charity classes and events with some of my fitness buddies from A Sweat Life. For the next few weekends, I’ll be attending new exercise classes and running events with friends supporting great charities. Another win-win-win!
5. Be grateful and help others! This one’s true no matter the season. One of my goals for 2018 was to be more grateful for what I can do and what I have. Volunteering and helping friends and colleagues always makes me feel good. I also had a blast with my Cycle for Survival team. We raised over $15,000 and had so much fun doing it.
What helps you beat the winter blues? Please leave your tips in the comments.
Have a great weekend!
PS. Giveaways also make me happy. Don’t miss my great giveaways and this one on Instagram!