Thursday, November 18, 2010

My Guide to Defeating the Winter Blues

Despite this time of the year being filled with warmth and happiness due to the wonderful thought of the coming holidays, this is also somehow the time of the year when people seem to get the winter blues. It's always cold, it gets dark so early, always raining (or snowing!) it's nearly impossible to keep yourself from having chapped lips and a runny nose from coming in and out of the cold. It's also nearly impossible to keep yourself from getting sick, and unless you keep your thermostat crazy high, getting out of bed in the morning sucks. I have come up with a list of things to do to make yourself happier during this time of the year!

#1 If You're Sick, Stay Home!



There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning, feeling that horrible head cold hit you, having a horrible runny nose, you can't breathe and every time you speak you feel like you're going to cough up a lung... but then somehow you find that little tiny bit of energy you have in your body and you decide it's essential that you go to work. This is my number one rule for this season - if you're sick, STAY HOME. Sometimes, that one day spent in bed watching your favourite soap or renting that movie you've wanted to see while drinking a hot beverage with a box of Kleenex is really all you need to make yourself feel that little bit better. Climbing into your car, or standing waiting for the bus is not the answer on days that you're sick - if you think they can't get by without you at work (or school for that matter), you're wrong. Call them up, explain you're feeling under the weather, and spend your time resting up for the next day. If you really must go, go in late, or come home early - those little things can help too.

#2 Buy a New Blanket, or Some Comfy Sheets.


I recently just purchased some super warm sheets for my bed, and man do they make the difference in the night. After a long, cold day there's nothing better than crawling into my nice warm cozy bed and drifting off to sleep. I also have really warm blankets all around my living room which make me feel so nice and warm during the evening! So go buy yourself a nice cozy blanket! Sometimes knowing there's something so awesome at home is enough to get yourself through that rainy day and have a warm, comfy evening watching the TV.

#3 Have a Mug of Your Own!



I have a Christmas mug that I pull out around this time of year, and it somehow makes my tea and hot chocolate taste SO much better this time of year. It's super cute, and has a polar bear with a Santa cap on it, and every time I go to use it, I just feel happier. Having something like that can really help make your morning, or evening, and helps to get you into the holiday spirit too! (Of course, if you're the kind of person who doesn't do the Christmas thing until December 1st like my family generally does, this may not be that great of a tip, but even a big plain mug can sometimes do the trick!)

#4 Give Hugs, Lots of Hugs.


When it's cold, hugs are just the best thing ever. This time of year, we're suppose to be happy and enjoying the company of others, and I know that I love to cuddle when it's cold outside, and I love getting random hugs from my boyfriend, my friends, or my family. It just makes you feel all warm and tingly inside! Hugs, kisses and "I Love You's" can really turn your day around - and this isn't something that should only happen this time of year! We should spread the love in all seasons, but this time of year rubbing cold noses is cute, and sharing a blanket with someone you like a lot can really make you feel so much better! Share some love this season!

#5 Call Up Someone You Haven't Seen in a While!


Sometimes, when I'm feeling a bit low, I give my grandma or my best friend a call, and my life somehow seems to feel that much brighter. Even a 5 minute conversation has a big impact on the worst of days, and I think that it's important to call of up the people you wish you could just say hello to! Sometimes I even call my mom at work, or send my boyfriend a text message, just to get a happy reply in the middle of the day. Sometimes all it takes it a happy message from someone you care about, no matter how close or how far, to turn your day around, and this is the kind of season where saying hello can mean the most.

#6 Have Your Favourite Christmas Drink! (or an all-year favourite!) 



On the coldest of days, I'm not ashamed to say that I love popping into Starbucks to see the bright red cups of the season and enjoy a delicious drink. My all-season favourite is a soy green tea latte, but occasionally a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte hits the spot! While I do not condone a Starbucks a day (or several if you're a friend who shall remain nameless!!) I do think having a treat once in a while is okay, and on the off days if you're really craving that peppermint latte, try making low fat versions at home. There are some great recipes on the internet, and you don't need a machine to do it either, just some milk and a teabag can do the trick and quench that desire to run to Starbucks or Timmy's.


I love the holidays, but I know how much it sucks sometimes outside of that joy-filled week of the 24th to the 1st. The little things can really make a difference! Try not to be so down this season, share a hug, or christmas drink or cuddle up with someone you love in that comfy blanket and watch your favourite movie! These things make a difference, so keep your toes warm, and try not to think about how dark and cold it is outside!

Blog, and be happy!

Kyleigh.

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