The Winter season has finally made her way into our lives. Holidays are rolling in and so is that eerie feeling most get around this time. Though it may seem easy to give in to the familiar blanket of S.A.D., we know it is healthier when you don’t! Getting through this season may seem easier said than done, but know that it is possible. Here are a few simple tips I’ve learned over the years to help conquer the cold.
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1. Carve out time for the people around you
Spending time with people you love is essential to surviving emotional seasons like this. Though the days are busy and seem to pass by swiftly, taking time out of your schedule to see your friends and family is necessary. Zoom calls to potlucks, or even going to grab a coffee can make all the difference in your winter days.
Being around people can be healing for your mental health. Laughing can literally cause endorphins to release in your body causing a mental release of things like stress and anxiety.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Family relationships provide resources that can help an individual cope with stress, engage in healthier behaviors, and enhance self-esteem, leading to higher well-being”.
I personally got to experience this during this past Thanksgiving break. As a young adult, I’m always on the move! So you can imagine how I dreaded spending 2 whole weeks away from my “busy” life. Upon arrival, however, I was reminded that I can’t run on an empty energy battery. My family made me take that time to truly rest, sleep, and decompress from the year I’ve had. It was more valuable than I could have imagined.
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2. Reorganize your space
By the end of the year, we’ve all collected many things like clothes, and little trinkets from here and there, along with a lot of memories and experiences. The winter is a great time to filter through those things to create space for the spring.
Challenge yourself by reorganizing your personal spaces! Many people suggest doing things like changing the color of your bedspreads and adding a fake plant in the corner.
In addition, I say spice up all of your daily areas. You can get new organizers for your desk at work (even if you work from home) or a new steering wheel cover and car freshener!
Free game: Pinterest can really be your best friend. There are heavy benefits to creating a safe space to grow and think. Many people find a piece of happiness in shopping and doing crafty projects. Whether you’re artsy or not doesn’t have to be a factor.
By doing something simple and unique, you can create a sense of pride in the work you’re doing. *Disclaimer: Do not use shopping as a main source of happiness! Your pockets will thank you later.
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3. Let it go!
The overload of memories and experiences can take the mind places we wouldn’t plan. It’s important to process your experiences and shed those layers away. We are not our past, especially any traumas that might have occurred or resurfaced this year. It is okay to process those emotions and memories and then move to your next step of healing.
Finding peace and acceptance of those situations will help you in the future. The art of serenity has helped me tremendously with processing a lot of things I experienced this year. It was hard to accept that there are some things that I just can’t control, but I learned that It’s okay. Everything isn’t meant for you to control! You will drive yourself crazy trying to do so. So spend less time wondering about the why’s and the would’ve-should’ve-could’ve. Spend more time thinking about the type of energy you want in your life and how you can learn from the past. Note that everyone doesn’t have the ability to process their emotions and do vile things as a result. That’s not on you and you have to be okay with that!
Not to be a self-care bible thumper, but focus on watering yourself. New Year, Better You! It’s time to reorganize our emotional baggage and make space in our minds for new memories and experiences.
4. Self Care, Self Love, & Self Confidence
As you decompress from the year, it’s okay to relax! Treat yourself to a nice warm bath or massage. Go take yourself out to dinner or an adventure in your city. Start your days by speaking life and love into yourself. Turn on your favorite album and dance around your room. Explore areas of interest that you haven’t had time to. Go do it all! It is so important to find ways to refill your own cup. Self Care, Self Love, & Self Confidence can look like many things.
For some, looking good equates to feeling good. My favorite Instagram Reel audio at the moment is literally “When you’re feeling down, get your hair done (3x)”. That moment you look into the mirror after a fresh cut or hairstyle is always top-tier.
Even if you need a booster that’s more affordable, going on a nice walk in your neighborhood or at a nearby park is a nice start. Last winter I literally became a workout warrior in the spirit of wanting to physically and mentally feel better.
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As I mentioned earlier, it’s beneficial to participate in things that can give you a sense of pride. For me, it was my physical health that taunted my mental health. However, taking that time to learn about my body and mind at the beginning of my journey was amazing. Not only did I learn that I’m stronger than I think, I learned that I look damn good doing it!
I’ll be honest, it was a task creating the discipline to truly invest in my life. Though tedious, please know that the investments are beyond worth it. Now, this isn’t me telling you you have to be in the gym to be happy. I’m telling you to set a realistic goal that’s an investment in you and work hard consistently at accomplishing it.
Now go on and do your best to enjoy your winter! Don’t hesitate to reach out to people you miss and love on those around you. Remember to treat yourself and to treat yourself with care. You are a warrior and I’m determined we’ll all conquer the cold together. In the words of Cookie Lyon from the show ‘Empire’, “I gotta put me first, Luscious!” You are the key to your future. Stay warm, be safe, and have a wonderful holiday season. See you in 2023!
Dynecia Clark is a 23-year-old HBCU Recruitment Intern/Project Associate with SPEAK Up! She is also a Clark Atlanta University Alum