Reconnecting with your kind-self

Hey kind krafters!
​I don’t know about you, but I am missing the sunshine! It is not easy to go weeks without seeing the sun. The grey overcast skies have a tendency to leave us feeling dull and gloomy. No wonder we crave a great escape this time of year. Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful dusting of snow, but the cold and the dark skies are starting to have an effect on me. This week’s blog was inspired by my desire to shake the winter blues.
 
I can admit, when it gets to be this time of year, spending so much time cooped up inside makes me restless and irritable! I wish it didn’t, but it does. I love being active and being outside- going places, doing things; you know, keeping busy with things other than schoolwork and readings. Its been weeks and weeks of cold weather- well cold in my opinion anyways. Constantly being chilled is discomforting and leads me to hopping into bed to stay warm more than normal! I know there are tons of outdoor activities to do this time of year, but I haven’t been doing my share. 

Shake the blues tip 1: Love the people around you- even if they are driving you a little Bonkers!
 
Part of surviving the winter blues is staying in numbers. Are you feeling the winter blues? Chances are, your loved ones are too. Sticking together and helping each other do the things that bring you joy is the easiest way to stay level headed during these times.
 
If you are guilty of getting irritable and restless like me, take a second and breathe. The sun will be out in no time! Try your best to not lash out at those around you. I know it’s hard sometimes especially when you are cooped up with the same people all of the time. I encourage you to take a step back and try to gain some perspective. Take space when you need it or try scheduling time outside of your home to get some peace and quiet. This will work wonders!! My favourite places are cozy cafés-good music, lovely aromas, and a place where I can relax and be productive at the same time. (Plus going makes me feel like my life is still somewhat put together!)

Shake the blues tip 2: Get Outside and unwind!
 
Although some days are gloomy, make sure you are getting outside on the beautiful ones! Those days when the fresh snow has fallen and the sun is out, put your boots on and get outdoors! If you live in the Maritimes, you know as well as I, that one day it’s a winter wonderland and the next it’s a warm spring-like day- take advantage of these days!
 
This past week was beautiful. I was sick but refused to stay inside feeling sorry for myself. Instead my great Dal Pals, Andrea and Jill took me out on an adventure to clear my lungs and catch some rays. Keeping it mellow, we drove up to Long Lake Park and hung Jill’s hammock. It was beautiful outside. We spent a few hours in the afternoon catching up, laughing and relaxing in the hammock immersed in nature. On the way home we picked up some tasty hot chocolate.  It was a lovely day spent with lovely people. Despite being sick, I felt 100x better from just getting out into the fresh air! 

Shake the blues tip 3: Treat yourself!
 
From my blogs, you have probably learnt that I am always one to advocate for treating myself… WHY THE HECK NOT?! We work hard, and I believe at some point we have to reward ourselves for how hard we work on a daily basis. A treat can vary person to person, but whether it is a pat on the back, or a tasty treat, or even a bath, do something that brings you joy and relaxation. This week I challenge you to treat yourself to something that brings you joy. This little something can give you the energy to keep on going- and that is something you certainly deserve. 

Shake the blues tip 4: Reconnect with your kind self!
 
Let’s make all this time we are spending inside count! How are you new years resolutions holding up? Do you have new goals you haven’t had a chance to work on yet? Before we can be kind to others we have to be kind with ourselves. Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘misery likes company?’ I am so guilty for this. When I am sad, or stressed I seem to want company. I have found that since being stuck inside, I have been overly moody and that has been apparent in the way that I interact with those around me.
 
This week’s blog has given me the chance to reflect and reconnect with myself. Doing this check-in has made me rethink the way I have been acting around others. Moving forward I am choosing to reconnect with my kind self and treat those around me with more kindness as well.  We are not perfect, and it is okay to recognize when we have not been our best selves.  We can however, learn from these situations and change moving forward! I cannot wait to be back to my kind, and happy self! 

Shake the blues tip 5: Book something to look forward to!
 
Although this tip is similar to treating yourself, try booking something in advance to keep you motivated through the winter blues- acting like the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ so to speak! This thing should be something that will keep you smiling and excited!
 
For me, my upcoming trip to Mexico is my light at the end of the tunnel. February is a crazy busy month for me with school, work, upcoming goals and events. This trip is what keeps me working hard through all of the obligations and commitments. 

This booking doesn’t have to be a trip- it can be a movie, or a race, or visiting a friend, or skyping a family member. It can be anything. I challenge you to put this thing in your calendar and stick to it. When the day arrives, take the time and do whatever it is that brings you happiness. Take that time for you- that is how you will truly shake the winter blues.
 
The sun is at the end of the tunnel- we got this!
 
Stay warm and bright,
 
Annie