10 Ways to Feel Better in Winter

I Want You by Jentymom

Word has it that some people out there in Real World Land are suffering from the winter cranky pants. At least that’s what the Grass Stain Guru has to say today.

Tigger might love to surf (that’s what the t-shirt says), but Mother Nature is hardly likely to oblige us by bringing spring early. All we can do is try to feel better in winter.

Winter Has to Run Her Course

Winter must run it’s course – it’s only January and there is a way to go before most of us will be running barefoot and rejoicing in the spring quickening. What can we do to feel better?

10 Recipes to Loosen Cranky Pants

I’ve been there with the winter stuff so I thought I’d share some feel better winter tips:

1. Run a hot bath. Surround yourself with candles (safely, of course). Add some lavender or rose aromatherapy oil, or rose or lavender scented bubbles. Sink in, get warm, sing to yourself, or read a book, or just relax. Cranky pants loosen in hot water.
2. Light some candles, put on the music, and dance. If you need company, a large stuffed toy will do the trick.
3. Whatever the weather, put on your appropriate clothing and get out for a LONG walk. No excuses, you can blow the cobwebs away, calm your stress, and sleep well at night. #1 on your return is an optional extra.
4. Drink lashings of tea with a friend. Or, if you prefer solitude, make a ceremony of tea drinking with a little teapot, cup and saucer ritual.
5. Sign up for a yoga class and then go to it. It doesn’t count unless you go!
6. Return to your roots, whether that be with family favorite food, music, rituals, puzzles, games, poetry, old photos, stories, or a trip. Go down nostalgia lane – sometimes it helps.
7. Do a good deed. Yesterday I found a lady’s purse and I managed to return it to her before she even missed it. There is someone out there who needs your help. Seek and you will find.
8. Swim laps. I’m not fond of wet hair after winter swimming, but it is a good stress reliever.
9. Write in your journal. If you don’t have one, that’s no excuse.
10. Buy some flowers. The only time I ever buy flowers for myself is when I just can’t wait a minute longer for spring. I now own silk ones, which actually work just as well. I got my favorite type – ones which grew in my mom’s garden every spring.

Try some of these, but know when to seek professional help.  This article should not be considered medical advice. Learn to recognize the signs of depression and seek treatment. There is no shame in having depression any more than there is in having the flu.

A boifeedback device such as the emWave Personal Stress Reliever can help you to regulate your breathing patterns and feel better. Teavana sell some gorgeous teapots among their Tea Gifts collection.

Related posts:

1. 5 Ways to Winter Bird Watch with Kids
2. Funny Underwear and Nine Other Funky or Frugal Ways to Stay Warm This Winter
3. 3 ways to bring more birds to your winter garden