Brighten Up a Long Winter’s Day (or season!)
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Brighten Up a Long Winter’s Day (or season!)
Bonjour!
I was inspired, this morning, by something Kristin mentioned to me via email. For those of you suffering from the winter blues or are just plain fed up with the lack of sunlight, I want to encourage you. It is unfortunate that the combination of a long winter, too many hours of darkness and a little bit too much comfort food haunts many of us this time of year. Below is a list of ideas I came up with; I hope you find something that peeks your interest, soothes your soul and offers you a “lift”!
Fun and easy ways to feel better and lift your spirits:
* If you don’t already own a favorite perfume {that you just can’t wait to dab on each morning), this is the perfect time to find one. Fall in love with a fresh, uplifting scent and look forward to it brightening your disposition! My personal new favorite is Féerie by Van Cleefs & Arpels. I could swim in a pool of it, thank you Julie!
* Change a print, poster, picture or painting in the room you spend the most time in. If you are at the office, bring something in that will add color and vibrancy to your area.
* Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers. Bring a burst of nature indoors!
* Scrapbook. While accomplishing something you will enjoy reminiscing and will then have a beautiful book or collage to share with others.
* Spend time with a child and allow their unconditional love to melt your soul!
* Go to a museum and explore artwork you know nothing about.
* Bake.
* Bundle up and go for a jog. Then reward yourself with a long, hot bath and a glass of wine!
* Treat yourself to a bright colored scarf or other piece to lighten up your mood and wardrobe.
* When the sun is out, bundle up, run outside and let it warm up your body for at least 10 minutes.
* Dive into the world of acupuncture! Acupuncture has changed my life and I highly recommend it. And I know what you are thinking, “Does it hurt?”. No, it does not!
Visit at least once every season however if you are battling the blues or any number of other ailments, sicknesses, etc., speak with your professional about coming in on a regular basis to get your body back at its best!
* Enjoy a massage. They do wonders for your body and psyche.
* Take a swim, in an indoor pool, bien sur! Then enjoy a soak in the jacuzzi!
* Watch your favorite movie.
* Write a letter. Yes, the old-school kind.
* Spend a hour in your closet and tap into your creativity. See if you can mix and match pieces to find 5 “new” outfits. Try them on and take pictures!
* Visit a rest home and love on those who have no family or friends to care for them!
* Call an old friend. No, contact via email, facebook, myspace, blog or other doesn’t count. It needs to be a real phone call!
* Eat at your favorite restaurant.
* Grab a girlfriend and go for a mani/pedi! Your toes need to see the light of day too!
* Take a class at a local junior college or community center. Getting out and interacting with new people while cultivating a hobby does wonders for your mood.
* Volunteer an hour or 2 at a local charity. We all have so much to be thankful for and sometimes we need a reminder (myself included!) that there are always others who have less than us.
* Cook your favorite comfort food and invite a few friends over to enjoy it with you.
* Go to bed when the kids do! The “to-do” list can wait ’til tomorrow.
* Take a virtual vacation to a tropical paradise. Sit back, relax and breath in deep!
* Download island music or the sound of crashing waves; enjoy being carried away!
* Explore the world of aromatherapy! Bergamot, neroli and lavender are a few of my all time favorites!
* Use fresh herbs when cooking or preparing meals. They brighten the flavor of anything!
* Indulge yourself in the world of new spring fashions hot off the Parisian runways!
Until next time…
I wish you a wonderful weekend full of rest, rejuvenation and many hours of sunlight!
Kelli
