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inspiration2021/01/25

Beat The Winter Blues With Jess Fraser

by Jess Fraser

Jess Fraser is a 400hr qualified Yoga instructor.

My top five wellness tips to get you through winter: 

1. Start every day with gratitude

This is something that I have been practicing for a few years now. Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions and it is so important to chose to have a grateful mindset over a negative one. Each morning I wake up and start my day from a place of gratitude.  This has made a huge difference in my overall mood and has changed my outlook on life, especially during stressful times like these. We need to remember that there is always something to be grateful for.  It is easiest to build and maintain a grateful mindset when you write it down. Start by getting yourself a journal or a notebook and writing down a few things that you are grateful for each morning. Commit to this daily practice and try to be consistent. It will only take a few minutes and it will improve your life dramatically.

2. Get out in nature

A change of scenery can really help to change your thought process, especially when so many of us are stuck indoors working from home for long periods of time during the day. I have found that surrounding myself with nature helps to improve my mood and mindset drastically. Try to take a break and get out in the fresh air for a walk at least once a day to combat any negative emotions that you might be experiencing. A calm natural environment is ideal for relaxing the nervous system.

3. Movement is medicine

This is a phrase that I live by. I am a firm believer that we are our own pharmacy and the happiness that we are searching for is already within each and every single one of us. Try to do some kind of movement every single day, whether that’s going for a walk, a light jog, practicing some yoga or simply dancing around your kitchen while making your breakfast. I promise you it will help to improve your mindset. There are lots of ways to be active, find what works for you, it doesn’t have to be a chore. Movement releases endorphins which are the body’s feel good chemicals. Let’s get physical!

4. Disconnect to reconnect

Try to limit your screen time and most importantly reduce your social media intake. Comparison is an act of violence upon the self and can be detrimental to our mental health. We are comparing ourselves to what we see on social media far too much and losing touch with our sense of reality. Unplug from technology and take time to reconnect with yourself. Try going for a walk, painting, baking or reading a good book, anything that allows you to disconnect from your screen. Experience the real world and be present. Take time to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life. Perhaps even try a digital detox for a few days. 

5. Prioritise healthy relationships

Prioritise relationships that encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Positivity and happiness is contagious so surround yourself with the right people and always remember that it is ok to be selective with who you chose to spend your time with. Life is too short for negativity. Focus on real life relationships and associate yourself with people that inspire you and challenge you to rise higher and add to your growth. With increased restrictions right now it is hard to physically be around people so I would advise picking up the phone and calling an old friend, check in on loved ones and remember that you are never alone.