Our last winter survival guide was quite popular, so we're back with seven more tips to get you through the cold, dark days ahead! After all, the shorter days of winter can wreak havoc on your mental health and bring about what is known as SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder. These "winter doldrums" are very real and can cause symptoms of depression.
When you work in the legal world, it's vital to stay on top of your mental health. Let's delve into how you can conquer the winter blues together—and don't forget to check out our first winter survival guide for even more great tips!
Hibernate. Okay, not literally since we're not bears, but be sure to get quality sleep on these chilly nights. Break out those cozy comforters and heated blankets! Humans are built to rise and fall with the sun. Once it gets dark out, we start producing melatonin to help us fall asleep, which makes it difficult to rally and get things done after the sun disappears. Don't try to fight basic biology; it's natural to need a little bit more sleep during the winter, and it will keep your immune system strong. Treat yourself to a little hibernation during the colder months!
However! Don't sleep too much or you might find yourself even more tired. Try to keep it under ten hours and find exactly how much sleep leaves you feeling energized and refreshed!
Moisturize. The cold, dry air of winter can be rough on your skin. A humidifier is a great option to add moisture to the air in your home. Update your skin routine to match the season as well. After each shower or bath, use your favorite lotion before drying off to lock in moisture. Exfoliating once a week will help remove dead, flaky skin and allow you to better absorb moisture. We all have different skin types, so experiment to find out what products work best for you! Remember to drink plenty of water because hydration is key, and don't forget ChapStick!
Stay connected. It's easy for our social lives to thrive in warm weather, but don't isolate yourself from your friends just because the weather turned cold. Technology keeps us more connected than ever. Take advantage of this fact because staying in touch with your loved ones will make these dark days brighter. Ask friends and family members how they're doing. If it's too cold to get outside, invite everyone over for a nice dinner, movie night, or board game night...or don't even invite them over! Go on a virtual adventure from your couch with a multiplayer video game or play online party games such as Broken Picturephone or Jackbox Games. Commiserate over voice chat as you do. Winter is the perfect time for indoor game nights.
Enjoy comfort food. This is the season for hot chocolate, hearty stews, sizzling pans of mac n' cheese, and of course, your favorite freshly baked pies and cookies. Comfort food might not always be the healthiest option, but it's called comfort food for a reason. If it makes you happy, it's doing you some good. And if you happen to pack on a few extra pounds over the holidays, no biggie—that's what cozy oversized sweaters are for.
However, don't forget to eat lots of fruits and veggies, too. Their vitamins will help keep your spirits and energy up!
Shake it up. Try new things! New experiences are a great way to pass the time and lift your spirits. Use this time to check something off your bucket list or try a new hobby such as a winter sport or an indoor class. Or you could explore your local area for hidden gems. Check out that restaurant or museum you always pass on your way to work. Make it a goal of yours to sample new foods and leave an online review describing your experience. If you shake things up, you'll find yourself remembering this past winter more fondly.
Practice manifesting. Wait, what? Shouldn't that say "gratitude," with how often gratitude is mentioned on this blog? Well, I'm shaking it up, just like I suggested. While gratitude focuses on the past and present, manifesting is all about looking towards the future and reflecting on what you hope to get out of it. It includes setting goals, visualizing your success, and training your mind to focus on the positive (not unlike practicing gratitude). A quiet, snowy landscape is the perfect place to practice manifesting.
Get away from it all. You tried getting extra sleep. You're making sure to get sunlight on your face. You're moisturizing. And yet, you still can't defeat the winter blues. What then? If you have the vacation time...just leave! Head somewhere warm and become the envy of all your coworkers. Live it up on a cruise or at a resort. Late January or early February is the perfect time to slide in a vacation and escape the dead of winter. Just make sure you unplug and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Enjoy these next few months and stay warm! And if you still need credits for December compliance, know that PBI has your back with a plethora of on-demand offerings and upcoming live webcasts. Check them out here!
