How To Beat Procrastination and The Winter Blues

It’s the time of year when you’re feeling down in the dumps. The days are getting shorter, it’s cold outside, and your mood is not great. It can be hard to get out of bed or to stay focused on anything for that matter. You want to do nothing but sleep all day long because it feels so good! But if you don’t take care of yourself now, winter will really start having its way with you. So here are 5 things that have helped me beat the winter blues:

1. Get up early in the morning to avoid staying in bed.

Don’t break the time you set for yourself! If you say “I’ll wake up at seven,” then do it and don’t be late. It’s better to go a few minutes early than a couple of minutes late, because that will cause stress and make getting going harder. You’ve already said you’re going to get out bed on time, now follow through with it! This is especially important if this is one of those days when everything seems like an uphill battle: just setting foot outside your door becomes difficult so imagine what happens once you leave your room… And no matter how tired or unmotivated I feel in the morning all I have to do is look outside and see the sun shining, even if it’s a little too bright for my liking. Then I know that I have to get out of bed because this is going to be one awesome day!

2. Create a list of things you want to do and cross them off as you complete them.

Instead of trying to accomplish everything all at once, set a goal and focus on just that. For instance, you could write down: “I’m going to take a shower,” or “I will do 50 jumping jacks.” Then check them off as they’re completed. It might sound simplistic but it works! You don’t even have to make your list long–just one thing should be enough for the day.

As I cross things off my list I can see how productive I’ve been which encourages me not only because the task is complete but also because there’s more room for other items in its place. Also crossing something off makes me feel like a winner already–how good does that feel?

3. Make your home more inviting by lighting candles, opening windows, or turning on music.

If you’re going to be inside for a while, do something to make your space more inviting. You can light candles or burn incense–whatever relaxes and calms you the most. Or open up the windows so fresh air comes in from outside which will also have a calming effect on your mood. And don’t forget about music! I put my headphones on every time I’m working on the computer because it keeps me focused and relaxed at the same time. If you can find a song that has both of those effects then it’s definitely a winner in my book!

I also like to have plants around because they make the air fresher and provide oxygen. Having something living in your environment makes you feel more connected to life, even if it’s just for a little while.

The bottom line is: do whatever it takes to make yourself comfortable so you can focus on feeling better.

4. Turn off electronics when they’re not being used for entertainment or work purposes.

It’s so easy to get sucked into our phones, laptops, or TVs and not come up for air until hours have passed. But that’s not good for our mental health! So try to turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime. If you’re using them for work then try to set a time limit and stick to it.

When I’m working on the computer I’ll put my phone in another room so I’m not tempted to look at it every two minutes (which is what usually happens). And if I finish early then I’ll reward myself by turning on my favorite show or reading a book. It’s really as simple as that!

Having some downtime we’re not attached to a screen is so important. It gives our brain the time it needs to relax and recharge so we can be more productive later on!

While writing this post I turned off my TV, put away my phone, and closed up all of the open windows in my apartment. Instead, I decided to light some candles which makes me feel less like a hermit than usual…at least for an hour or two 😉

The winter blues are real but they don’t have to stay with us forever. All you need is five minutes (or even one) here and there throughout your day that’s devoted only to yourself–you deserve at least that much! Just follow these simple steps: set a time, create a list of things you want/need to accomplish, make your home more inviting, turn off electronics when they’re not in use, and lastly, take some time for yourself every day.

5. Participate in activities that make you feel happy – go out with friends, take a walk outside, read books.

The best way to beat the winter blues is by participating in activities that make you feel good. That could mean going out with friends, taking a walk outside, reading books, or anything else that brings you joy. And if you’re feeling down, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Whether it’s friends, family, a hot bath and a candle, someone or something will always be there.

Just don’t forget to take some time for yourself every day! You deserve it after all 🙂

6. Write down what makes you happy so that you have something to look back on when feeling low.

This is definitely something I need to start doing! When I’m feeling down it’s usually because a negative thought has taken over my mind and I can’t shake it. But if I can write down what makes me happy then I have something to look back on when that happens. It’ll remind me of all the good things in life and how much better things are than my negative thoughts would have me believe.

It also helps to see your happiness in writing. Sometimes we forget just how great our lives are, but when we take the time to write it all down we can really appreciate everything we have.

I hope these tips help you out this winter! If you have any other suggestions or ideas, feel free to share them in the comments below. Stay warm and take care of yourself 🙂

-xo

Andie