Top Ten Ways to a More Positive Outlook on Winter

What can be done to have a more positive outlook towards the arrival of winter whether you have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or not?

Top Ten Ways to a More Positive Outlook on Winter
By Donna P. Lendzyk

Year after year I find more and more individuals saying to me that they were still waiting for the warm temperatures to arrive one more time before the snow comes. In many ways these individuals did not have a very positive outlook on the arrival of the winter season. What can be done to have a more positive outlook towards the arrival of winter?

1. Put Seasonal Items In Order

Put away the summer things and pull out the winter ones so they are easier to find. Have your outdoor clothing ready to go in good order and repair including your boots, gloves, jackets and scarves.

2. Plan A Few Days Off

Plan a few days off during the winter so you have a special break to look forward to. It could be day set aside for reading or an indoor hobby that your enjoy -- or it could be a ski trip to the Rockies or a Caribbean vacation.

3. Get A Plant

Get a plant to brighten your living or work area such as a plant that flowers or try forcing some flower bulbs indoors.

4. Engage In An Activity That Celebrates This Season

Start or join in a regular activity that you enjoy (or enjoyed when you were younger) that celebrates this time of year. It could be an outdoor activity such as skating, curling, skiing or hockey. If you prefer it could instead be a private indoor activity such as of journaling, reading or quilting.

5. Get Ahead Of Holiday Preparations

Get ahead of preparing for the holidays so you are not rushed later on.

6. Enjoy Some Seasonal Scents

Get a lovely aromatherapy oil spray or candle you will enjoy in your home for the season.

7. Winterize Your Vehicle

If you have one, have your vehicle winterized including getting winter tires put on, the engine tuned up and be sure to include a complete winter emergency kit and blanket.

8. Prepare For SAD (If Applicable)

If you are a sensitive person who is affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), be sure to have your light box ready for use. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with S.A.D., it's a physical condition that happens with the shortening of our daylight hours. In many people this causes depression and fatigue that can sometimes require extra light from special light boxes to get through the day.)

9. Get Cozy On The Couch

Put out a cozy throw blanket for the couch for when you sit to watch your favorite TV shows.

10. Enjoy Delicious, Nourishing Self Care

Bring out your favorite soups and stews recipes. If you don't have any, have fun developing and cooking up some tasty favorites. While you are at it, also stock up on a special warm drink whether its tea, hot chocolate or apple juice / cider with cinnamon sticks to simmer.

(c) 2003 Donna P. Lendzyk 

Donna P. Lendzyk is a professional coach and creator of the Overcome Overwhelm System.  She coaches businesswomen to Overcome Overwhelm and Achieve Their Desired Results.  She is the author of the multi-media “Overcome Overwhelm eProgram.” To learn more about her eprogram and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her website at http://www.overcomeoverwhelm.com.

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Everything you do to improve your mood can help especially if you have a mild form of SAD. Check out also the sections on light therapy, diet and exercise for other ways to improve your mood when you have the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.