By Leanne Costantino
Campus News
Winter in the Northeast can often leave people with the winter blues. Being stuck inside with not much opportunity to connect with nature can be taxing on those who like to get outdoors. Indoor restlessness can lead to restlessness in the mind, which can have a negative impact on mental health as the winter goes along. It is important to keep the mind, body, and spirit active on a daily basis, especially when typical outdoor movement gets halted by the cold. There are some activities that, if done for even just a few minutes a day, can have very beneficial results for overall wellness.
Yoga and Harmony
Yoga is a great way to remain active and take a step away from technology during your day. “Yoga is known to be an excellent way to keep the kidneys and liver running clean,” said Dana Costantino, Yoga Instructor at Ra Ma Institute New York. “This is key in the winter because it provides the immune system with a much-needed increase in strength at a time when the cold temperatures and germs are on a higher level.” Daily activity, like Yoga, helps to remove toxins from the body and lift mood. “Given that Yoga helps to reduce stress, it is important to practice in the winter because, during times when you can’t get outside as much, stress levels tend to rise,” continued Dana. “There is a certain feeling of being more cooped up than usual. Practicing yoga, even if just for ten minutes a day, can help to calm the mind and keep the body on a healthier track. For people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, Yoga is a powerful tool because it brings an inner peace and helps to reduce anxiety, which is key for people who suffer from changes in mood due to changes in weather. Building in the use of Lemon and Lavender essential oils for uplifting the mood (Lemon) and bringing tranquility (Lavender), I recommend to tie all of the senses together in harmony.”
Reading for Pleasure
Reading develops the mind and is a great daily practice to adopt for mental well-being. Reading helps boost confidence, as learning new information or life lessons through literature makes the reader feel like reading was time well spent. Reading also helps to increase focus and concentration. Unlike social media, where images and words flash before us, reading is a static mental exercise that forces the brain to focus on one task at a time. This can help develop patience as well.
Daily Exercise
Whether it be Yoga or something else, moving our bodies everyday helps the body feel elevated and euphoric. Some great ways to get involved in indoor activities this winter, while making new friends, could include rock climbing, bowling, kick-boxing, martial arts, fitness classes, or even jumping around at a trampoline park. Whatever you choose, your body will feel rejuvenated and your mind will be sharper and less susceptible to feeling down.
Be Your Authentic Self
Do what you like, and do more of it. Stop waiting for a “better time” or “a better you.”
Very often in the winter time, we hear people say things like “I’m working on my summer body” or “when the weather gets nicer, I’m going to start doing that more.” However, there is no better time to start something than in the present moment. “Too often, I feel like we’re waiting for that eureka moment, said Charles Cornell, President and Creative Director at Cornell Digital. “Then when it doesn’t come, we keep searching for it. I found myself stuck in that loop when I was first starting Cornel Digital. After a while, I found myself looking back on our progress shocked at how far we’d come without ever finding that ‘light switch.’” Most often, success with something comes after repetitive diligent behaviors. Whatever it is that you love to do, start doing it more regularly now. Working on something habitually will create a sense of direction and purpose.
Gratitude and Spiritual Practice
No matter what your religion or spiritual beliefs are, it is important to stay connected with your soul. Keeping rooted in the things that you value and the person you want to be will keep you feeling good all the time. Very often, people get stuck in the rat race of working, shopping, and helping other people that they forget to reconnect with themselves. “If you’re so deep in ‘the grind’ chances are you’re feeling entirely disconnected spiritually,” said Alyse Brautigam, creator of Raw Alignment. “Because working/doing things nonstop leaves little space for connection to yourself and higher power/God. Feeling disconnected takes away our power and pulls us out of our flow state. Essentially, without connection we are way out of alignment. And THIS is a problem. To experience rapid growth with fitness, business, relationships, mindset, etc., your secret weapon is your spiritual practice.” Even just taking a few moments each day to send a heartfelt message to a loved one or ask someone how they are doing can help you feel connected spiritually.
Remember for the remainder of the winter season to take time to check in with yourself, your body, and your mind. A small daily practice can make all the difference.
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