Don't Let The Winter Blahs Get To You

Copyright (c) 2011 Kim Schuld

It's that time of year. That time when we're exposed to all kinds of colds and flu bugs, that time when a week's worth of snow days would make a mother post her own children for sale on Craig's List, that time when we can get laid out by one bad head cold for fourteen days, and that time when the dreariness of winter is starting to wear us down and Spring seems so far away. This is the time of year when we might just want to crawl back into bed and hide from the world.

When we're feeling like the world outside is harder than it needs to be, or every time we turn around there is something else is dumped on us, this is the time when we must make a focused and conscious effort to boost our personal energy. Your health and wellness can hit a stall, or even take a dive, if you let the winter doldrums zap your mental and physical energy.

So take a few moments to check your personal energy in the following areas.

1) I am getting at least 6 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep each night.

Sleep is essential to proper brain function, which in turn means that you will be more resistant to getting sick, you can adapt better to sudden changes in your schedule, or stick to your healthy eating plan, and get in some exercise. If you're not getting enough sleep, make some changes to help yourself: turn off the television earlier and prepare for bed in a quiet room. Try to have some easily digestible protein about an hour before bed to sleep more soundly and repair muscles. Do a brain dump before going to bed. Write down everything you can think of that needs to be done the next day so that you're not lying in bed worrying about things.

2) I feel comfortable saying NO when I am overscheduled or overwhelmed.

Write down your top 5 priorities in your life. Now take a look at where you are spending your time during the day. Does your calendar reflect your priorities? If not, start saying NO to new requests that do not fit with your top five priorities. If you worry about what people will think of you if you say NO, practice in the mirror - "Thanks for thinking of me, I'll have to check my calendar and get back to you." Or, "Thanks for thinking of me but I am not going to be able to do that this time."

3) I take time for myself every day to pray or meditate and find my spiritual center.

If you can do this first thing in the morning, it sets the tone for your entire day. Do what works for you. Maybe you are good in the mornings and can get up a half hour before the rest of the house to have some time for yourself. If you're not so good in the mornings (like me), set the alarm only 15 minutes earlier and then use that time while you are still in bed to clear your mind, give thanks for the day to come and speak to yourself in affirmations. If you need a recharge during the middle of the day, find a place with no distractions for at least 15-20 minutes to breathe deeply and center yourself. Even at work, there is probably a conference room or stairwell you can duck into for a few minutes of peace.

4) I drink at least 64 ounces of plain water every day.

If you're not in the habit already, get in the habit. For every non-water drink you have, you have to balance it out with plain water. Even water with Crystal light is not plain water. Coffee and tea, soft drinks and fruit juices all need to be balanced out with water. It will revitalize you and improve your brain's ability to function properly.

Finally, get some sunshine and fresh air every day, even if you just step outside your front door for a few minutes. If you have a chance to sit or stand in front of a sunny window for 10 minutes, do it. This is the time of year when you need to take charge of your personal energy level, not just hope for things to get better. And keep your fingers crossed for sunshine!


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Kim Schuld is a nationally published writer and speaker who spent over
twenty years in politics honing messages on complex issues. Kim now uses
her talents to help people see through confusion to pinpoint problems
and solutions, and to find their heart-felt callings as a life journey
coach. You can find out more about Kim by clicking here