Very Sleepy Girl: fall

Blessed

Things I Like Right Now, September edition

September 15, 2012

cake

Wordless Wednesday - Fall at Notre Dame

October 28, 2009

Around the Bend

Meditation & the Man at the River

October 20, 2009

Apartment

Beat those Cold Weather Blues!

October 29, 2008

What can I do to fight off fall & winter blues?

For me it’s all about enhancing my life with simple things. I allow myself little treats so that I don’t feel as miserable and deprived. And it helps me to appreciate the good things that the season has to offer. Take a look at what I came up with:

1. Listen to (and sing along with!) Christmas music.

2. Indulge in a warm beverage – hot tea, hot apple cider, flavored coffee, pumpkin latte, peppermint hot chocolate, etc.

3. Stay in, sit at home cuddled up in soft blanket watching a movie or reading a book and enjoying a scented candle (I especially like seasonal scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, apples, etc. to help me embrace the current period of time).

4. Decorate your home for the holidays – it’s a fun activity and the festive decor lifts your spirits.

5. Choose to actively look for the positive & make a list of your blessings, for example, notice the beauty in the changing leaves and in the pure white snow.

6. Physical activity – anywhere from a brisk walk around the block to joining a gym – has proven health benefits, physical and emotional. And it will keep you warm.

7. Get domestic and bake. Use the season’s bounty and make apple crisp or pumpkin bread or something even more creative. Share treats with friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

8. Pamper yourself with a hot bubble bath, using rich, fall-scented bath and body products.

9. Find some cute stationery or notecards and send a letter to a friend.

10. Dig out classic Christmas movies (inexpensively obtained from the library) to get in the mood.

11. Plan a weekend getaway if you can (to a warmer location is even better!). Set the date now for mid to end of winter so you know you have something to look forward to (so important!). Use the time now to research your destination, plan your activities, and save up so you’ll have some spending money.

12. If you don’t have a fireplace, befriend someone who does! Or find a hangout with a fireplace (cafes, Panera Bread, Centre library…). There is something very peaceful and comforting about just sitting in front of a fireplace.

13. Get all bundled up head to toe – double layers of clothing, and don’t forget the scarf, hat and gloves. Then go play in the snow for as long as your body can take it. Warm up with hot chocolate afterwards.

14. Treat yourself to a new sweater or scarf to help welcome the colder weather. You can look to the positive then because when it gets cold, you will get to wear your new apparel!

That’s what I have for now, but please share your thoughts and add to the list. I think we could ALL use some help to beat the winter blues every now and then!