The change of seasons from #winter to #spring can often leave people feeling exhausted, sluggish and demotivated. It’s a phenomenon known as spring fatigue, and it occurs as the body adapts to changes in daylight, temperature, air quality and overall routine. To keep your energy level up, get quality sleep, seek out the sun early in the day, stay active, hydrate and eat a balanced diet, Georgetown Behavioral Health says. Seek professional help if the fatigue lingers, starts to interfere with daily activities, or is accompanied by symptoms of depression and anxiety. #EndOfWinter
Tag: anxiety
Conquering the Springtime Blues
#Seasonal affective disorders aren’t limited to #winter, says Brown University Health. Any change can spur anxiety, and allergens and toxins in the #springtime outdoor environment can aggravate inflammation. Exercising just once a week can elevate mood; mental stimulation is also important. Getting out in the sun — if you can find it — can aid Vitamin D production and boost serotonin. Getting #organized can also relieve stress: “When you #declutter the home, you #declutter the mind. Messy spaces tend to make us tense, so removing that small #stress from your day might help boost your mood.” #EndOfWinter
Create a Project for the Dead of Winter
There’s always a time of year when the #winter weather starts to wear on a person. Snow and cold likely find you indoors more than you want to be, and there are few holidays or occasions to provide a distraction. We’ve entered the year’s gray doldrums.
There’s a fantastic way to fight any boredom, anxiety, cabin fever or seasonal blues you might be feeling, however: Think up a new #project and get it off the ground! There’s extra time on the calendar, and you can defeat the winter weather to get something accomplished.
At #new year’s resolution time, the project might be yourself and your health. You might have started a dry January or be counting down to a dry February. You might set fitness goals such as losing X number of pounds or visiting the gym regularly.
You might decide to enhance your knowledge by learning something new — a language, a musical instrument, or a craft such as woodworking or pottery. The internet is full of free and reasonably priced classes; sites such as OpenCulture, MasterClass, Babbel and others help you get started.
Perhaps you’ve been planning a few small #household renovations — interior painting and redecorating, installing new insulation or shelving, and so on. As long as you’re trapped inside, you might as well get started on a project that makes your surroundings more inviting.
#Decluttering and #organizing is a great project to start now, since it can rapidly improve your home’s livability and your mood. The Spruce offers a 30-day challenge for the winter months, but you can adjust the scope of the project to suit your capabilities. ClothingDonations.org can help when you schedule a #free donation #pickup.
Projects don’t have to be huge to make a difference. Maybe you have a hobby you’d like to revisit. Maybe you’d like to finish one good book. Maybe you’d like to update your résumé, volunteer locally or help a family member with their project. Now’s the time.
Tackling a project can keep you from getting frustrated and bored during the dreary winter months. No matter what you might choose to do, you’ll feel more confident when you launch a new project and a sense of accomplishment when you complete it. Get it started!
Even Small Gestures of Gratitude Honor Veterans
Small gestures can make a big impact when you wish to show gratitude to #veterans for their #service and sacrifice. Offer a veteran a ride to an appointment or event, visit with an injured vet at a VA hospital, help out with a few household chores or repairs, bring them a home-cooked meal or batch of cookies, or just spend some time with them. A heartfelt and sincere thank-you “can brighten even a bad day for a veteran, because you acknowledge their service,” says the National Veterans Foundation. “‘Welcome home. Thank you for your service’ can have a huge emotional impact,” especially for Vietnam veterans. #VeteransDay
How to Help Veterans Throughout the Year
#Veterans face a lot of challenges: accessing benefits, services and health care; barriers to employment and education; homelessness and housing; and more. This Veterans Day, you can help in multiple ways, says former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald. You can build awareness among friends and family, support veteran-friendly businesses or hire a #veteran, contact elected officials to advocate for policies that benefit veterans, volunteer your time and help with fundraising events, and #donate to organizations that make a direct impact on veterans such as ClothingDonations.org. #VeteransDay