Photo by Jill Wellington: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-ceramic-cup-filled-with-liquid-3334510/
Last night while I was scrolling, I read that yesterday was Blue Monday, otherwise known as the most depressing day of the year. People often feel a bit blue this time of year between the weather, seasonal viruses, the excitement of the holidays over, and holiday bills to pay.
While I haven’t felt particularly blue, I have been getting over a virus or two and have felt a little out of sorts. Last night I was even tossing and turning in bed with a monkey mind.
This morning had me reflecting on some self-care strategies I could implement to help protect me from the winter blues.
- Get out side for a little fresh air and a walk with the dog
- When we’re in a deep freeze snuggle on the couch with the dog and a good book
- Do a short (5-10) minute yoga practice
- Take a proactive step and book an appointment with my therapist
- Search the app, InsightTimer and find a guided meditation or music to suit my mood
- Watch a movie that makes me laugh out loud
- Sit quietly and focus on the breath for 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.
- Put on my “Move My Bum” playlist & dance
- Put on some slower tunes and dance with my husband
- When intrusive thoughts, worries or fears show up gently telling them “Not now”
And finally—I have been reflecting a lot on the word grace. Grace isn’t a word I have thought about a lot in the past. Yet, it seems like it might be my word for 2025. The word keeps presenting itself to me as I try to give myself more grace and extend grace to others.