By Stephanie Mills, CYT
1. Get outside for a brisk walk, (or run or ski…) in nature, during daylight.
Exercise, fresh air and sunshine really are important! Exercise will warm you up, strengthen your immune system and give you an endorphin boost. Breathing deeply, especially fresh air, has a wondrously calming effect. Sunlight will raise your serotonin levels, boosting your mood.
Notice the natural beauty of your surroundings. A night-time walk can be lovely too. Check out the beautiful displays of Christmas lights, or find a dark spot to take in the moon and stars.
2. Do yoga.
Like I always say, “Yoga makes everything better.” The effects of a consistent yoga practice are profound. If you won’t do it on your own, find a regular class you like and go every week, twice if possible.
3. Enjoy a funny movie on a cold winter’s night.
Laughter really is good medicine! Or an uplifting Holiday movie if you like that sort of thing- Christmas isn’t Christmas for me without “It’s a Wonderful Life”…it never fails to remind me that it really is a wonderful life!
4. Sing!
Sing along with the radio or your favourite CD in the car and at home. Go to a Holiday concert at a local venue. Music definitely affects our moods, so choose what is uplifting and makes you feel good.
5. Dance!
Turn up the volume on some upbeat music and dance like no one’s watching! Check out a dance class like Nia, or Zumba, or Yoga Dance.