How To Beat The Winter Blues

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#truth
#truth

 

I asked my intern Jess to do some research for me. I cannot handle this winter blues nonsense – it’s effin freezing and making me depresso. 🙁 I just want to curl up in bed, spoon my hubs and pups, drink hot cocoa, and watch Netflix. Is that asking for too much?! Here’s what she came up with to get me off my a$$ and get back into gear. Jess (in blue), take it away…

Jess huddled up.
Jess huddled up.

Winter has come and bitch slapped us in the face with its cold hearted (no pun intended) ways yet again. The days are getting shorter and the nights have definitely grown colder. Actually, the days are pretty cold too as I have a personal space heater under my desk at work. Don’t get me wrong not ALL of winter is terrible. I LOVE the holiday season. Getting to spend time with the family, time off work, and going to look at Christmas lights, mass amounts of liquor, etc. But once that’s over, the dreadful “winter blues” start to kick in. It actually makes me feel a little sad. I really feel for my friends because unless it’s to go to work or food shop, I never really leave the house until the temp gets back up to like 60 degrees.

When the lack of energy and motivation hits, so could the potential weight gain (YIKES) and maybe even some depression. Luckily, there are some ways to beat the “winter blues” that can help you get through the cold days and into the warm summer nights we all miss so much.

We've got this!
We’ve got this!
  1. EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE:

Trust me, I’m the WORST when it comes to working out. It can be the most gorgeous day out and I’m still dragging my ass outside to run. HOWEVER, exercising is a great stress reliever. When I was planning my wedding, going and hitting the heavy bag (so bad-ass, I know) was like my saving-grace. It’ll also give you more energy to make it through the day. What I’ve started to do every morning is a few push-ups, crunches, then power walk with my pup in tow. By the time I get to the office, I’m a working powerhouse! Then of course noon hits and I need another coffee or a B12 fix.

Healthy can taste good.
Healthy can taste good.
  1. Keeping a well-balanced diet:

There is nothing more satisfying on a cold day than some warm, heavy, comfort foods. I feel like the colder the weather, the more I crave sweets and everything that I really shouldn’t be binging on. What and even when you eat has such an effect on your mood and your energy levels. You really should avoid refined and processed food like white bread, rice, and sugar (all the things that make life worth living.) Instead of white bread and white rice, you can substitute brown rice and whole grain breads into your diet. Fruit smoothies are usually my go to drink of choice when I’m looking for an extra hit of energy.

Take advantage of the sunny winter days. They're the most beautiful.
Take advantage of the sunsets and sunny winter days. They’re the most beautiful.
  1. Get out and Get some SUN:

Good old vitamin D! This special vitamin that is found in SUNLIGHT helps to improve your mood! Why do you think people are much happier in the Spring and Summer seasons? Hello, VITAMIN D! Since the Winter days are shorter and darker, try to take advantage of those sunny days. Lack of sunlight can actually cause depression and people usually do not know why. Even if you’re stuck at the office, try to get out and walk for even 5-10 minutes. Your mood (& possibly your co-workers) will thank you for it.

Water Over Wine? But do I have to?
Water Over Wine? But do I have to?
  1. Avoid Binge Drinking

This can be tough for some people, (like myself) because staying in with a glass of wine and watching a movie sometimes seems like the only thing to do in the winter. Also, my birthday is in January so it usually consists of a month long celebration. Also, when people are starting to feel down they turn to alcohol. But, alcohol is actually a depressant and instead of helping your mood, it can make you feel worse. Obviously drinking in moderation is fine, but I wouldn’t suggest going on a 4 month drinking bender because that just isn’t a healthy or wise choice. Who honestly likes waking up the next day feeling hungover anyway? NOT me.

Head over to see what Jamie has in her jewelry section. I've heard there are a couple new pieces and items on sale!
Head over to see what Jamie has in her jewelry section. I’ve heard there are a couple new pieces and items on sale!
  1. TREAT YOURSELF

My husband thinks I am crazy, (which I guess I am… a little?) but treating yourself to something nice every so often really helps! Like right now, as I write this, I’m dreaming about going shopping after work to buy myself a nice new shirt and possibly some new boots! Having something to look forward to helps to keep you motivated. WINTER CAN BE A DRAG and seems like it’s never ending. Take the time and plan something for yourself; a spa day, weekend getaway with the girls (or guys), a party, or just splurge and buy yourself something extra special like Jamie Otis Jewelry. (No matter what you decide, keep #4 in mind!) 😉

 

We can do this people! We can get through the winter and make it to the beach with an ice cold drink in our hands (Ok, I may have a drinking problem!)

 

Jessica Thompson.
Jessica Thompson.

“Short and humorous, just like this bio.”
Hey guys! I’m Jessica and I’m currently living on the East Coast with my hubby and our adorable pup, Bailey. I’m a professional wine drinker and sometimes I write things, (for Homesin.com and StoryChick Magazine.) I also just started writing for JamieOtis.com and I’m so happy to have you guys read my blog posts! I promise to be funny, honest, and open with you all and share my favorite stories with you! Be sure to follow along! IG: jesssicathompson Twitter: the_jess_thomps

Thanks for giving us these tips, Jess! Sharing is caring – leave us your comments below! We love hearing from you guys and chatting with ya!

xx,

Jamie

 

P.S If you want more ways to beat the winter blues here are a couple items:

1 comment
  1. Using a SAD light can also help. You can pick them up from Amazon for less than $100. Look for one with 10,000 LUX. That will give you the therapeutic value you need. 30 minutes a day and you’re getting fake “sun”. This helps out when it’s too darn cold to go outside for real sun, or you’re working during the day, living in the frozen tundra — dark when you drive to work, dark when you drive home.

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