Dreading Winter? Here Are Some Fall Pick-Me-Ups

If you’re like me, it can get a little challenging navigating the murky waters of this time of year.  It’s part of my annual ritual of dreading winter.  There’s less and less daylight.  We’re in the midst of Autumn, which means the fun of Summer is just a memory.  And while the coming holidays are a welcome social celebration, they also mean the added stress of shopping, preparing huge meals, more shopping, prepping the house and office and maybe even the car to look festive, and yes, still more shopping.

On top of all that, in this particular year we’ve been deluged with more than one-too-many October surprises.  I mean, your voter registration card should have a prescription for Zanax attached!

So it’s good to have some little diversions and pick-me-ups to put and keep a genuine smile on your face.  One that isn’t hiding a clenched jaw!  Here are some of my favorites.

Take A Spa Break

 Massage

Who doesn’t love a good massage?  Whether it’s a traditional muscle-relaxing deep tissue massage or a Swedish massage with hot stones,  they not only relieve minor aches and pains, but also reduce stress. Even after a short session, you’ll be energized and relaxed.

Facials

A good facial isn’t just to  renew and soften your skin.  It also relieves tension. Many facials and peels provide aromatherapy as they hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. For an added luxury make sure to get a temple and scalp massage while having your facial.  You’ll feel refreshed inside and out!

 

Manicure and Pedicure

Feeling just a bit pampered always helps to calm the shattered nerves.  There’s nothing quite like drifting off into relaxed oblivion while enjoying a pedi.  But even the idle chatter with your nail tech can help to re-connect with the lighter side of their life and yours.

Embrace Nature

Spending hours and hours indoors during the week can cause anyone to feel a little stressed. However, by having somewhere that you can go outdoors and get away from your daily routines for a few minutes, Paul Randall Smith   states that you can get yourself some great natural stress relief just by getting outside.   The fresh air and sunlight are often just what your body needs to recenter itself and come back to the busy world prepared to accomplish all you have on your plate for the day.

Try Yoga or Meditate

Ms Career Girl columnist Beth Leslie reminds us that our mind and body are intrinsically interlinked.  Yoga is as much about mediation as exercise because practitioners understand that you cannot give something your all without using your mind and body together.

If yoga isn’t your thing or just feels too intimidating, try meditation.  It doesn’t have to be a mystical session complete with chants.  A simple five minute session of relaxation, controlled breathing, and letting go of the mind’s chatter will work wonders.

Remember Your Diet

Yes, Fall and Winter are full of opportunities to indulge in foods we might otherwise avoid.  But it’s important to remember that foods, or more particularly the chemicals within them, play a huge part in our mood.  As HealthLine.com says:

• Blood sugar spikes and drops can leave you with a short-lived burst of energy followed by a tired, cranky feeling. For best mood results, you should also limit alcohol, since it’s a depressant and can disturb your sleep.
• There’s a clear relationship between food and your state of mind. When you combine strategies for eating regularly with foods that may have a positive effect on your well-being, you can plan meals that may help you to feel better.

Need even more creative ways to bounce back and up out of the winter doldrums?  Check out these tips from author Patti Clark in an article on Ms Career Girl earlier this year.

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