Winter can certainly be beautiful with its fresh blankets of snow and sparkling seasonal lights. But let's be honest...most of us are probably over the dark, bitter-cold days by now. The January Blues are hitting hard. As I type this with partially frozen fingers, we're looking down the barrel of the biggest snowstorm we've had in years (which will thankfully be behind us by the time this is posted). If you're feeling the same way I am, and wondering how to make it to spring, then you've come to the right blog.
Whether you're buried in case piles or snow piles, this time of year can quickly sap your energy, focus, and motivation. These bleak winters can even have an effect on your mental health due to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which comes about due to a lack of sunlight. But even in the darkest months, there are ways to let in a little light. Here are six low-pressure, high-impact ways to make the season feel a little less gray.
Brighten up your world (literally). Yes, the subzero temperatures can make it a miserable experience, but getting sun on your face matters! The Vitamin D will do wonders for your health and mood. Even ten minutes outside can make a huge difference. Go for a quick walk at lunch or stand on your porch with a steaming cup of coffee in the morning. Or simply sit by a bright window and soak up that sun on your face.
Try to start your day with natural light. Open the blinds as soon as you get up or as soon as you walk into the office. This will keep your internal clock on track. If this isn't enough to improve your mood, and you're particularly susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder, there are light therapy boxes that simulate sunlight. They help regulate brain chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin, easing symptoms such as fatigue and depression.
Take time to declutter. A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind! Yes, it's not the most fun thing to do during the winter, but you will thank yourself later that you got a headstart on spring cleaning. Take an hour out of the day to recycle old papers, organize your desk, or clean up your inbox. The next time you walk into your office, you will immediately feel lighter at the sight of your clean desk.
Take it a step further and work on deep cleaning your home, especially if you're stuck inside. Clear out your closet and donate clothes. Deep clean your kitchen. Go through drawers. Do whatever it is you've been putting off. You will feel so much better for it!
Upgrade your daily rituals. This is the time of year where every day can feel the same if you're not careful. Try to inject a little bit of whimsy into your daily routine by making it feel extra enjoyable rather than ordinary. Try a new flavor of tea or coffee, light a scented candle at your desk, listen to music when you normally wouldn't, or take a different route home just to shake things up (Personally, I'm on a mission to try a bunch of new fruits to keep those Vitamin C levels up). Pay attention to the little details while making sure to treat yourself every so often. Even if the rest of your day is utter chaos, you'll find yourself looking forward to your upgraded daily rituals.
As a bonus, sweeten the end of your work week with something that excites you. Maybe it's a new episode of the show that currently has you hooked. Maybe it's a little at-home spa time to keep that dry winter skin nice and moisturized. Or a special meal with loved ones, complete with all your favorite bites. Choose something that speaks to you and will make the end of each dreary week a little brighter.
Reconnect with one person. It could be a friend, a colleague, a referral you met that one time at a PBI Institute...no matter which one you choose, a "hey, just checking in," message can mean a lot during this harsh time of the year. January is a great time to revive relationships that may have fallen by the wayside during the bustle of summer and the holidays. Social connection goes a long way for our mental health and a simple, sincere message can brighten two people's winters.
Pick up a new hobby. That new hobby you've been putting off? Now is the time to dive in! Bonus points if it doesn't include looking at a screen! Maybe it's something artsy or creative. Maybe it's a craft where you work with your hands or one that intellectually challenges you. No matter what, make sure it's something you enjoy, and continue to stick with it even if you're not instantly an expert because we all have to start somewhere. A new activity will keep your mind sharp and occupied.
Not really looking for a new hobby? Then make it a new PBI CLE on a topic you're unfamiliar with! Modern ethics, artificial intelligence, firm management basics, Adobe Acrobat—we've got something for everyone. Check out what's coming up here!
Escape to a better place. Maybe sometimes the best way to defeat winter...is to completely leave it behind. Just throw in the towel and say, "See you in a couple weeks!" If you have the time and means, then don't ever hesitate to put your case files down and take a well-deserved vacation.
This time of year is tough, especially in a profession that rarely slows down. But you don't have to overhaul your life to feel better, nor do you have to try and convince yourself that you love winter. You simply have to outlast it by creating small changes that leave your day a little bit brighter.
Spring will be here before you know it. In the meantime, you've got this!
