By Amy Mason
Please learn more about Amy by visiting her website at www.amyemason.com.
Hi moms! Today, we want to give you a mid-winter boost with some tips on improving your mood and beating the wintertime blues. As mothers, it comes naturally to us to take care of our families and sometimes our needs come last. However, in the middle of a cold, dark February in Chicago, I often find myself exhausted, empty, and frankly down in the dumps. Here are some tips to feel your best even during winter.
1. Get enough sleep! Easier said than done right? Sleep is when our body heals. A new study recently revealed that our brains actually cleanse themselves at night removing toxins. You can see the study here . Sleep is important for brain recovery. Our brain is the operating center for everything in our bodies – including our emotions. It makes sense that we give ourselves as much time as possible so that our brains can regenerate, rest, and heal. So how do we do that? Here are some tips: Set a regular bedtime and stick to it. Implement a calming bedtime routine to prime your body for sleep. Turn off electronics at least 1-2 hours before bedtime. Last but not least, make sure your room is as dark as possible. Getting more sleep can literally refresh the brain, thereby refreshing you!
2. Get 30 minutes of sunlight a day! Getting 30 minutes of direct sunlight is important for maintaining healthy hormone levels and circadian rhythms. If it’s not sunny, it’s okay, even outside for a short walk is enough. In Chicago and other places where winter days are often cloudy, a sun lamp is another good option.
3. Stay connected. It’s tempting when the weather is cold to stay indoors where it’s warm and cozy. Make sure you take the time to really connect with the people who fill you up. Whether it’s your spouse, or a dear friend, relationships can help give us a sense of love and belonging. Touch is important too! Hug your kids! Hug your friends! Hug another Mama who needs it. This is another important way of staying connected.
4. Move your body. Even a few minutes of exercise can give a big boost to your mood. Whether you can go out for a walk or spend a few minutes doing yoga, moving your body is very important for our health and our moods. It doesn’t have to be as hard-core as a spin class. In fact, there is some evidence that moderate exercise is most beneficial for hormone regulation. If you work, try switching to a standing desk or getting up and moving every 20-30 minutes. Hereis a fantastic article on both sleep and exercise.
5. Try a new perfume! This last tip is the funnest. Smells have a powerful effect on our brain. Trying essential oils, especially in the citrus family, can help boost your mood. Grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, and orange are all bright and sweet scents. Blend as needed and dab a little on your wrists or behind your ears. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and place it in your car. You can also diffuse it to make your house smell like summer. You can find good oils hereand here.
Taking a little time to help you feel your best is one of the best investments of time you can make! This will help you gain the strength to be a gift and loving Mom to your precious children.
Remember, being a Mother is a sister. Let’s get through these long winter months together!
