MIND & BODY

HANDLING THE WINTER BLUES

TLC FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

WRITTEN BY DEBORAH EAKIN OSBORNE

It’s January, and it’s winter. Once the holidays have come and gone, it doesn’t seem like a joyous season anymore. Bare branches have taken the place of brightly colored autumn leaves, and it’s much too early to yearn for the green of spring. How does one muddle through these cold, dark months between our more colorful seasons?

“When you feel better on the outside, I can almost guarantee that you will feel better on the inside,” says Gina Rafkind, owner and founder of VedaSun (vedasun.com). Rafkind believes it is important to set aside some time for yourself every day “to care for the vessel that houses your spirit.” Here are some ways to do just that.

Hydrate

People tend to drink less water as the temperature drops. Being dehydrated will make you tired and more prone to snacking. Herbal teas and low-calorie hot chocolate are great ways to warm up and stay hydrated.

Exfoliate

Weekly exfoliation helps remove dry, flaky skin to reveal radiant, smooth skin. Plus, your moisturizer will absorb more quickly and deeply, allowing it to do its job better.

Moisturize

An oil-based (rather than water-based) moisturizer or night cream will create a protective layer on the skin and retain more moisture than a lotion. Look for products that are made with nonclogging oils such as avocado, mineral, primrose, or almond oil. If you prefer lotions, look for those containing humectants—a class of substances that includes glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids—which will attract moisture to your skin. Moisturize hands and feet every night.

Avoid extremely hot water when bathing or showering

An intensely hot bath or shower breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, leading to moisture loss. Warm

water—and less of it—is the better choice. Moisturize while your skin is still wet.

Protect skin from wind & cold

Dress in layers. Pieces made from fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin to the next layer of clothing should be worn closest to your body. Remember to cover your hands and head. If it is particularly cold, use a face mask or scarf. Having a layer over your mouth and nose warms the frigid air before you inhale, helping protect your lungs. Try wearing mittens instead of gloves. Now that we’ve covered some ways to care for our “vessel,” let’s consider what may be some of the more challenging aspects of enduring winter.

Find an activity that gets you outside, preferably when the sun is out

Your body’s internal clock is regulated primarily by exposure to light. During June, there are 15 hours of daylight in contrast to only about 9-1/2 hours during January, most of which occur during the workday. This makes for long, cold, and dark evenings. Be mindful of your mood and mental health in the darker and colder months, as winter can increase the incidence of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in many people. If you find yourself experiencing overwhelming sadness, seek help from a professional.

Take time for self-reflection

Determine what your favorite and least favorite things about the winter season are. How does the decrease in daylight hours make you feel? How do the holidays make you feel? Do you feel shut in or socially isolated? Do you feel lethargic or like you don’t get enough exercise in the winter months? Self-reflection may help you develop a coping strategy for staying healthy and happy until spring comes.

Jason Fitzpatrick of lifehacker. com shares, “Caring for your physical self will go a long way toward making winter more bearable … But getting some sun on your face and fresh air alone won’t fully take care of the mental and social elements of the winter blues.”

Fight the urge to hibernate

Get outside, stay active, and be social. Remaining social during the winter months can help decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.

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