Stay Focused During Winter

O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?  -Percy Bysshe Shelley 

I have to ask, how are you doing during these dark and cold days of winter?  Is your mood holding up and is your attitude positive?  Hopefully, you are holding forth with a good attitude during these dreary and bitterly cold days which we are going through right now.  This past Monday was partly sunny and even though it was cold the sunshine was wonderful.  Be sure to get out in the sun for a while even on cold days as this has a powerful effect on mood and outlook. 

I am glad to report that I have not wavered in my commitment to exercise outside all winter long.  As I have stated before, this isn’t for everyone, but it works for me.  Each morning I have been continuing my 20-30 minutes of calisthenics outside regardless of the weather.  After about 100 or so jumping jacks and 50 push-ups my heart rate is up, my mood is beginning to soar, and I get into a rhythm that drives me through the entire workout.  Whatever form of exercise you are doing be sure to keep it up all winter long as the health benefits are too powerful to deny. 

As we go through the months of winter, consider these continued strategies for managing and controlling the winter blues: 

• Stay committed to your exercise routine.  If you aren’t exercising regularly then now is the time to begin.  You will not regret it and you will be astounded by the results. 

• Continue to maintain a healthy diet plan.  Keep avoiding junk food, fast food, and soft drinks.  Try cutting back on soft drinks to the point that you can count on one hand how many you are drinking in a month.  Once you reach that point you will know that you are getting control of your eating habits.
  

• Stop procrastinating about what you have wanted to try.  Consider what you have wanted to try and go for it.  The possibilities might include painting, drawing, pottery, woodworking, or writing.  Any of these will provide you with a wonderful sense of accomplishment and well being.
  

• Start a journal or diary.  Writing down our thoughts is a great way to come to terms with what we are facing and how we are coping.  Go back later and re-read your entries and you will be amazed at how you’ve grown.  A word of caution, however; bear in mind that whatever you write down will most likely be read by someone else at some point.  So, be honest, but also be sensible. 

• Volunteer your time at a local charity.  Nothing beats the blues like helping others. 

Spring seems like a long way off, but let’s make the most of life while we’re waiting for it. 

Have a great day!