6 Ways to Battle the Winter Blues

We are of the earth; as the earth goes into quiet slumber, we forget how imperative it is for us to do the same. During the winter months go within deep solitude, hibernating, conserving, flowing with the seasonal changes of the earth for our mind, body and spirit.

"I write probably 80 percent of my stuff over the winter." --Bob Seger

Society has usually been all about hustle and bustle, fighting over material gifts, planning the next party, worrying about the interactions we think we must endure with family members. Sometimes it hits hard right before the holidays and often times right after the holiday is over. Filling empty voids within us with mindless distractions of overspending, overeating, caffeinating, self medicating...what have you. Many suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder which is a valid mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year. It is not all in our heads and can even get debilitating. Equally so if you live in a state like California, we still have seasons. Winter season is from mid December through mid March and we still get the winter blues.

Here are some great tips that may help!

Seasonal Nourishment

Root vegetables are wired for winter because their roots grow below the soil. Because of this they thrive through a cold season, as well as being deeply nourishing, and easy to store.

Carrots, potatoes, turnips, garlic, and onions are highly nutritious and provide the body with important vitamins, minerals, and fiber; all excellent choices to nourish your body this winter. Zinc, found in oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts and whole grains has also been linked to optimal immune system function.

Quick Tips:

1. Use Organic supplements for food restrictions and allergies.

2. Homemade soups are a great meal for the winter

Physical activity & Time outside

It is important to move your body, as well as getting sunshine and fresh air during the winter months, create a in home yoga practice for the early mornings. Go for nature hikes and gather twigs, rocks, and loose feather to get crafty later. Play with the kids in the snow and clean up the yard (or grandma’s yard whatever works). Take the time to drive to a place where you can be present in nature. If you are fortunate to live in a climate that is warmer - practice gratitude and go to the beach! When all else fails and I hope it doesn't...hit the gym and take a vitamin D supplement.

Kid tips: Chase bubbles, turn up the music and dance, bring back the good old games like twister and charades. (this is for big kids too) create an obstacle course if you are blessed to have the space.

Lights, Colors, Sounds

I love lights this time of year. Decorate your room with twinkle lights. Paint your space with yellows and reds. Discover alternative genres that you usually do not listen to.

She's Crafty

Use your winter findings from taking walks, clearing out closets, under your bed and garages. Find uses for arts and crafts and get creative. If you find things that are no longer useful donate and/or recycle.

Read a good book

Or create one…journal – what you create does not have to be published or perfect. Write down all that is inside. Use pen and paper not tablets or kindles…feel and smell the pages. Go deep within a mystery novel lost in another place and time. Or release all the things that no longer serve you and create a burning ritual for the pages to be lost in the wind. (please be responsible when using fire). You get the idea!

Acceptance

Practice acceptance, acceptance of things we cannot control, acceptance of people we cannot change and most of all acceptance of our unique selves. Depression is real and it is not a sign of weakness to reach out to someone you trust. Individual therapy is also not a sign of weakness and many cities have financial assistance. Strengthen your support circle and reach out to your loved ones that you feel may also be struggling with the dark months. We heal ourselves by helping others and forming strong human connections. Practice self love and be kind to yourself.

Winter Rituals

1. Create a quiet reflecting/meditation space filled with candles and soft pillows – whatever feels right for you. Sit in quiet.

2. Have that fire releasing ritual mentioned above with all those things you wrote down.

3. I know it is post holidays but burn you can still burn a yule log, a yule altar, create a holiday wreath and remember next year make it a ritual tradition with your yule tree. (I celebrate Yule…call it what you will).

4. Give back to nature by scattering seeds for the local wildlife…I take the hair off my brushes and let them go in the wind for bird’s nests.

5. Bring back the tradition of story telling

6. Create a vision board for manifestation

Safety Tips:

Buying flameless candles that require no fire.

Having dirt in a near by bucket just in case there is an accident with fire.

Fire extinguishers if at all possible.

Give thanks to Mother Earth for our seasonal changes.

Research. Recycle. Ritual.

~Crystal

If you or someone you love is suffering from depression please seek professional help and the help of loved ones. You are not alone.

https://www.science.org.au/curious/hibernation

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25027288/