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How to Beat the Blues

 It's the time of year that teachers dread. The season from January until spring break is a long stretch in the calendar. Students have settled into the routines of school and are testing the patience of every adult. To top it off, the weather is cold, rainy, or both. So how do you beat the blues?

Pick up a new hobby. Remember that New Year's Resolution to learn a new language or start cooking more at home? Now is the time to dig your heels in and start! According to Harvard Health, hobbies are linked to overall well-being and feelings of happiness (Harvard Health, January 2024). Maybe you didn't resolve to do something new...no problem! Go ahead and sign up for that class, download the app to learn a new language, and practice that instrument you've neglected.

Enjoy simple pleasures. Over the last few years, I have explored the concept of Hygge, a Danish term for all things cozy and comforting. This time of year is the best time to indulge in such pleasures. Savor a cup of hot tea or coffee. Wrap up in that cozy blanket and light a candle. Enjoy a fire as you journal your thoughts and feelings. All of these self-soothing practices help calm your mind and force you to slow down and appreciate the easy pace and simple details that make you feel comfortable.

Laugh it out. The best medicine is laughter. You can take a few minutes to laugh each day, and this will improve your health and mood. Not sure how to get the giggles going? Try watching a favorite TV show (my comedy go-to is I Love Lucy) or reading some funny stories on social media. With so much bad news in the press and stress in everyday life, laughter is more important than ever.

Practice some special primping. This time of year takes a toll on skin and hair. Spend some time loving on your skin with moisturizing products and replenish dry hair with conditioners. Splurge on a bath bomb or bubble bath and melt the stress away. Give yourself an at-home pedicure. Whatever makes you feel better in your skin (pun intended) is worth an evening of self-care.

Hang out with your people. Post-Christmas routines can leave many people feeling less than motivated. After the bustle of the Christmas season, it's almost a let down to revert back into the everyday norms. This means you may have to be intentional about setting-and keeping-lunch dates or supper plans. Sometimes, all I need is a movie day or special afternoon with my tribe to help me reconnect. Bonus: hang out with the people who make you laugh and you take care of two of these suggestions at one time!

Remember that, like everything in life, this is just a season. The cold, rainy days will dissolve into the newness of spring, and with the warmer weather we find our hope renewed. In the meantime, perhaps these blues busters will lift your spirits!

© 2024 Jill Cook. All rights reserved.

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