Winter is coming. As the weather gets colder and dingy and daylight savings ends, a lot of people find themselves falling into a fugue state. Perhaps you notice your mood starts to fluctuate regularly or you feel underwhelmed during the day and you find it harder to stay creative or productive.
In some cases, this change in mood can be attributed to you having a seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but not necessarily. You could get moody occasionally because the weather is dreary and depressing. Then there’s also the fact that there’s a global pandemic, a rise in unemployment, increased social isolation, civil unrest around the world, etc. What I’m trying to say is, we all have plenty of reasons to feel sad and depressed this season.
Instead of letting the weather control how you feel, create a routine that helps you get over your creative rut while also enjoying the snuggly autumn season. Below I list 10 simple things you can try to get you out of your funk.
Make Your Space Intentional
Clear out your desk, reduce clutter, and if you’re working from home, try to separate your workspace from your living space or bedroom. Make your workspace more intentional by putting effort into how it’s set up no matter how small. This can help put you in a work mindset and boost your productivity.
Stick to Your Schedule even though it’s Dark
With daylight savings, it’s going to get darker sooner. Don’t turn in just because it’s dark. Stick to your schedule. Our instinct is to call it a day once it’s dark, but right now that’s just too many hours to be left doing nothing. If you are a freelancer or work remotely try to stick to your schedule even if it’s dark out. You’ll be cheating yourself of some good work hours if you let daylight savings determine when you turn in for the day.
Get Some Exercise
Get moving. Exercise releases a chemical called endorphins which make you feel relaxed, and positive. It makes you willing to do your tasks with more enthusiasm and zest. Also, going outside also gives you a chance to breathe in the fresh air and get some natural light both of which have a positive impact on your mood. On weekends, try to spend some time outdoors by going to the park, going on a hike, etc. Don’t forget to wear a mask.
Warm up with Tea or Hot a Beverage Regularly
Or twice a day if you must. Having a hot or warm beverage will help jumpstart your system and get your insides feeling a little warmer than your environment. Teas are also soothing and would get you to relax and be chill without slouching on the couch all day. Try some tea flavors like mint, chamomile, earl gray, lemon, or cinnamon. You can also mix it up with some warm apple cider or hot chocolate with mint and chocolate chips. A to the beverage will help liven you up.
Practice Positive Self-Talk and Reinforcement
It can be easy to get into a negative funk when you keep thinking about all the things that are wrong. Focusing and obsessing on the not so great things can keep you in a perpetual cycle and loop of negativity and stress. It can also lead to you having a victim mentality, and it just goes downhill from there. Make effort to recognize the good things around you. See the good in people and in yourself. Get motivated by your environment, watch inspirational videos, read quotes, get your vibe up. You can also practice grateful journaling where you write down things you are thankful for at the end of each day. Doesn’t matter how small or inconsequential, write it down and let your mind focus on those positive things.
Talk About It with Friends and Family
Talking about it does not mean complaining. And complaining sometimes is necessary. Get it off your chest. If you feel unnecessarily moody, maybe even depressed, or overly anxious, talk about it with your friends and loved ones. You might realize a lot of people are feeling the same way and talking it out will help you feel better. A good conversation can warm your heart.
Get Comfortable with a Snuggly Sweater or loungewear
In addition to rain gear, get the right kind of clothes for the season. Get a soft sweater or comfortable loungewear that keeps you cozy and warm while you get work done. You’re more likely to get out from under the covers if you know you’re going to be getting into a sweater that feels like soft clouds. You can wear your snuggly sweater every day if you want.
Make a Creativity/Good Vibes Playlist
There’s nothing like the perfect song to get you going. Think about creating a new playlist, with songs you love and new finds. Whatever it takes to get you going! You can check out our Creative Revival Playlist here or look for artists that inspire or motivate and listen in as you go about your day.
Take a Hot Shower First Thing in the Morning
If you work from home or have no immediate need to leave the house in the morning, take a shower first thing anyway. A warm shower will help jumpstart your system and reduce the need to snuggle up in bed all morning. Get dressed like you have somewhere to be and you’ll trick your brain to be in a more active mode. I read that a cold shower also helps increase your alertness, so you can try that (if you’re into that sort of torture).
Get Proper Accessories for the Rain/Snow
Get a snow boot, get a raincoat, get an umbrella. Whatever is most convenient get it, so the rain does not disrupt your day. You’re less likely to decide to stay in if you have the right gear to go out of the house and brace the extremities. And get a mask too.
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