{"id":1691,"date":"2022-02-10T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/a-girl-next-door.com\/?p=1691"},"modified":"2022-02-13T04:37:15","modified_gmt":"2022-02-12T22:37:15","slug":"comment-booster-son-moral-son-energie-en-hiver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/a-girl-next-door.com\/en\/comment-booster-son-moral-son-energie-en-hiver\/","title":{"rendered":"How to boost your morale and energy in winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

If, like me, you are currently living with weeks of extreme cold, with your nose hairs freezing as soon as you set foot outside (a shout-out to fellow Quebecers ;-)), this article is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not easy to stay positive when the days get shorter. When the light gets dimmer. Or when germs and viruses of all kinds are back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So here are 15 tips to chase away the winter blues and give yourself an energy boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go crazy with friends<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The best antidote, by far, is spending quality time with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In winter, the tendency is to withdraw and isolate oneself, but social connection is essential to maintain good psychological health. Replace the lack of outside heat with human warmth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Create creative moments for yourself<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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There are no secrets, new activities break the routine and provide pleasant sensations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like dopamine for sport, calm and relaxation with yoga or meditation etc. So, make room for this activity that has been catching your eye for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Enjoy cozy mornings and\/or evenings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What a joy to wrap yourself in your warm blanket, slumped on your sofa in front of your series while it's very cold outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or watch the rain or snow fall, when you wake up, in front of a nice hot coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bet on purr therapy (if possible of course)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Furball owners, take advantage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just looking at or petting a cat is often enough to ease any tension and bad thoughts. No more excuses to stop being completely gaga over your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take wellness breaks <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Whether it's treating yourself to a spa session, a nice massage or a nice hot bath, treat yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these activities have soothing virtues for you and enhance well-being. So why deprive yourself of them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, recharging your batteries allows you to face the outside world with serenity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better listen to yourself and why not put yourself in hibernation mode like the animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Enjoy delicious meals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Sugar is life. Good cakes are real comfort allies during this season, even if you shouldn't overdo it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More of a savory fan? Cheese dishes like raclette will brighten up your winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You've been waiting for them all year, now's the time to treat yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let yourself relax in front of a good book<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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You started this book a year ago and then put it down to pursue other activities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a good time to dive back into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, reading improves mental well-being and reduces stress by more than two-thirds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part: all in front of a good fireplace. What a treat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cuddling under the covers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Yes, I know this is not something everyone is concerned about. But if you are lucky enough to have a better half by your side, bad weather and cold weather are a perfect excuse to stay curled up in bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Expose yourself to light with light therapy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Lack of light has a big impact on morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light therapy helps regulate the overproduction of melatonin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, you should expose yourself for 30 minutes per day in front of a lamp designed for this purpose (prefer a lamp with a power of 10,000 lux to have the desired effects)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another but more expensive alternative: glasses equipped with high-intensity LED iodines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here for example is my 10,000 LUX light therapy lamp<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Do sports<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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I'm not telling you anything new, physical activity is beneficial for combating depression and its symptoms. It helps you sleep better, regulate your mood and boosts your immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The must: get active 3 times a week for 30 minutes a day outdoors. The ideal duration to effectively combat the winter blues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy winter sports: ice skating, skiing, Nordic walking, etc. There is something for everyone (depending on where you live of course).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Start a treatment of essential oils (aromatherapy) or plants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are all kinds of oils and herbs to help you get through this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To name just a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\n