*Collaborative post.

It has been very cold pretty much all over the UK. We were lucky enough to get some snow last week. It was white and beautiful last week Wednesday and the kids loved it. The enjoyed walking to school in the snow and they even had the opportunity to build a snowman! There is still snow in the forecast, so we are expecting some more in the next few days. I am sort of looking forward to it for the kids sake, but I am not looking forward to the chill that comes with it.

The cold and darkness makes me super low on some days. I won’t call my state of mind – SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or winter depression, but it is quite similar. The cold and the darkness that comes with it (especially the darkness) gets me really down sometimes. I call the feeling the winter blues.

As a working from home mummy of 2 very busy toddlers, I am always on the move. Working from home with the kiddies in school means I get to be on my own and with my thoughts and work for a good part of the day. So I have to protect my state of mind to ensure I can give everyday my best shot.

Here are some ways I cope and keep the winter blues away –

Let them be light

I pull my blinds and curtains every morning and get in as much natural light as I can. This act usually gives my mental health an instant boast. It helps that we have a room with a window in the ceiling like aluminium roof lanterns. I like to do most of my work during the day in that room. We also have French doors in our living room which helps as well. I like to chill in the room as it is always bright and alive.

Get out of the house

The school run takes me out of the house every weekday. I have also started driving lessons, that gets me out as well. I also may sure I go out at least once a week outside of the school run times for a few hours. Getting out of the house means I get to take in as much fresh air as possible, which clears my head and mind.

Meditation

Like I mentioned in this post, I have started meditating and I am loving it. I now sleep better and feel great. If you don’t meditate, I would advise you try it. It is great to just sit up and do nothing, think of nothing and just listen to the sounds around you. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do, but I cannot imagine never meditating now. It has become a nightly ritual.

Burn a candle

I love candles and I like to have them in my home. Yankee Candles are my current favourites. Candles have a way of relaxing me and the scent of my candles help me deal with the winter blues.

Listening to music

I would be lost without my Spotify app on my phone. I listen to some of my favourite tracks on there everyday. Music is like food to my soul and it can help me deal with anything.

How are you dealing with the winter blues? Do you have any tips to share?