10 ways to Beat the Blues

The winter blues are a real thing ya’ll! Many people head south during the winter months or get active skiing with friends and volunteering in hot climates to break up the winter. With spring officially here, it’s a new reminder that not everything is back open due to COVID restrictions. So, we’ve created a list of ten ways to beat the blues and keep the motivation train moving!

1. Gratitude journal

I go on and on about a gratitude journal and here’s why. During coaching, one of the major differentiators in my clients’ moods and outlook on life is their commitment to keeping a gratitude journal. You cannot be thinking about all of the amazing things in your life and upset and worried at the same time. Take three minutes and write down three things you’re truly grateful for today. If you’re having a hard time coming up with three, consider these options: You are living in a safe country where you are not fearful for your life. You have access to clean drinking water and the dignity that proper sanitization provides. Oh, and you woke up on the right side of the soil today!

2. Vitamin D

Get outside! I know many are super bummed that ski slopes (at the time of this writing) and other recreational parks are closed due to quarantine. That doesn’t stop you from taking a brisk walk and getting in touch with nature. I recently heard that the Japanese have an expression “Shinrin-Voku” which they refer to as forest bathing. A way to reconnect with nature and evoke all of your senses. Breath in and think about just how miraculous your body is, with working lungs and eyes to see the beauty in nature!

3. Spring Goals

Goals are great for the brain! We love taking on new challenges! Set a 30-day goal that is outside of your normal routine. Decide to get outside for thirty days no matter what or eat greens for 30 days straight or mediate.  These goals don’t have to be huge, like doubling your sales or dropping twenty pounds.  Create a measurable goal and have an accountability partner to hold your feet to the fire and make sure you’re keeping up with your commitments!

4. Visualize the Future

Visualization is a powerful tool and a great way to escape the blues in a positive way. Think of this as a form of meditation. Allow yourself to envision sitting on the dock in the summer, feeling the sun on your skin, hearing the birds chirping and feeling immense gratitude for the heat. This is a great time to visualize that fabulous summer bod you’ve been working on all winter too! Hey, a little motivation doesn’t hurt, right?!

5. Exercise

Get moving! Exercise is one of the fastest and simplest ways to get out of a funk. Some of the clients that I coach share that they are “too drained to exercise.” I hear ya! I’ve been there before AND I used that same excuse until I heard a completely different perspective on energy. Consider that you are an energy plant! You create energy! If you want more energy you have to get moving. That’s what builds momentum. So, toss aside your excuses and build the healthy habit of moving your body. Commit to a specific time and specific activity to increase your chances of success. Better yet, pick an accountability partner as studies show you’re 85% more likely to stick to it if you have to report in on your progress. 😊

6. Read inspiring books

Read books that inspire and excite you vs. books that put you on edge or terrify you! Check out stories of people who have beat the odds and are thriving through adversity. This is a great way to fill your mind with possibility thinking AND keep things in perspective. A few of our recommendations include:

• “Screw it, let’s do it” - Richard Branson
• “Dare to Lead” - Brene Brown
• “Awaken the Giant Within” - Tony Robbins
• “Can’t Hurt Me” - David Goggins

7. Ditch the news for a week

When I tell people that I don’t watch the news they balk! I used to. In fact, I used to wake up every morning, grab a coffee and watch 24hr repeat panic news for half an hour before I showered. I had a coach challenge me to switch up my routine and start with gratitude and then get going with work. This was during the 2008 recession and guess what? I had my best year of growth on record. I believe it was because I was focused on the good, the opportunities and approached my interactions with intense positivity. I guard my mind and keep the junk out. You cannot control what’s happening in the world so don’t allow it to seep into your soul and control your outlook on life! Challenge: Try it for one week. Go on a news diet and report back on how much happier you are!

8. Eat nourishing foods

Just the smell of fresh fruit, lemons and oranges awaken the senses and feel amazing! One of the best ways to get out of a funk is to surround yourself with whole, fresh food and consume quality goods. Junk in, junk out! Exceptional fresh food in, happier body, happier brain, more energy and smaller waistband!

9. Connect with a friend and share a list of why you love them!

Set up a Zoom call with a friend that you’ve been missing hanging out with! Reconnect over virtual cocktails and catch up. Better yet, before you meet, write a list of all the things you love about them and share that list during your call. Find out what’s happening n their life and be fully present. Turn your phone off and treat them like the most important person in the room because they are. Develop deeper connections through open-ended questions and curiosity. This will absolutely FILL your cup!

10. Get away mentally

Island and upbeat music has a way of boosting a glum day, doesn’t it? Crank up the music, move your body, get dancing and imagine that you’re away on a beach. We recommend the following playlist and would love to hear your favourites too!

• Jerusalema by Master KG
• Boasty featuring Idris Elba
• Hello (Reggae Cover) by Conkarah and Rosie Delmah
• American Music by The Violent Femmes
• Hold you by Gyptian
• Good Life by One Republic
• Fired Up! By Funky Green Dogs
• Beautiful day by U2

As always, we would love to hear if you have any tips and tricks to beat the blues that you could share with our community!