Spring has been slow in its arrival in Sullivan County, NY. There is still about two to three feet of compressed and icy snowpack all over, muddy and dirty along the edges. The lingering snow is making it difficult to imagine spring ever arriving in the area after such a long, cold winter. That could mean that seasonal depression lingers as well. We are so close to spring, so I hope that you don’t let the gloomy and gross weather bring you down. Here are some things to tell yourself that I have picked up along the way to help get you through:
- Get outside and soak in some sun and fresh air. I know that’s nothing new, but now that the afternoons will become longer, it should be a little easier to find time to get out for a little while.
- Work up a sweet at least once a day. Sweeting is one way that the body gets rid of toxins. Just be sure to hydrate!
- Try not to live in the past; live for the present. Even though New York State is still under strict mask mandates and businesses are limited, it is not productive or healthy to dwell on how things used to be. Make the best of the present situation and work toward the future.
- Keep colorful foods on your plate. Reds and oranges with greens and a carbohydrate. Green foods are generally full of fiber, water, and phytonutrients. They are great for healing the body and regulating blood sugar levels. Red foods help the prevent stroke, high blood pressure and cholesterol. They also fight against free radicals and cancerous toxins. Orange foods are high in Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene. Natural Carbohydrates, like brown rice, quinoa, oats, non-sweetened dairy, and legumes, are turned into glucose, which fuels the body.
- Be sure to disconnect, unplug from things that weigh you down. Negativity on social media, hateful rhetoric in politics, and being pulled into another person’s crisis are enough to make anyone crazy. Instead, surround yourself with healthy relationships. It’s okay to say No to people when they ask you to run to their side.
- Try not to watch or read things that stimulate you before bed or when you are winding down. Sleep and rest are important for your body to heal and for your mind to process the events of the day.
- Learn from mistakes and negative outcomes; there is a lesson to be learned in everything.
- Breath in through your nose, out through your mouth. Take in the good air, get rid of the used air.