We are finally past the winter solstice, (the longest night of the year), but for many of us here in the northern hemisphere, it is these cloudy January days that can get us feeling a little “draggy.”  If you’re not careful, you’ll mistake your lack of energy for depression and end up taking medication you don’t need.  To get yourself through the winter doldrums until Spring has sprung, try one of more of these tips.

1. Smile.  No kidding.  Just looking upward with a big grin on your face will turn your mood and energy level around.  Do it for at least 90 seconds.  Come on, you can do it.  If you need a little help, read my post on The Power of a Smile.  I’ve been told it’s a guaranteed smiley face.
2. Exercise.  I know, you didn’t hear it here first, but getting on the treadmill or just doing some yoga on the carpet will make you feel better.  Remember, an object in motion stays in motion.  So do something, anything, but preferably, something you truly enjoy.
3. Get outside.  Yes, I know it’s cold.  But that cold air will wake you up and perk you up.  Go out and feed the birds, take a short 5-minute stroll.  Make angels in the snow.  The sun reflecting off the snow increases its effectiveness giving you more bang for your buck, so only a few minutes are necessary.
4. Play with your children and/or pets.  Seeing the excitement and joy on your child’s or pet’s face at the fact that you’re giving them your undivided attention for several minutes will make you feel good all over, improve your mood, and increase your energy.  Try it; it works.
5. Eat more complex carbohydrates and lean protein.  A lot of protein and meat will drag you down, and we certainly don’t need to be adding any saturated fat to our diets especially this time of year. But adding some lean protein to your diet at regular intervals will help you feel more energetic and clearheaded due to lowered serotonin levels.  I’m talking small amounts here, so don’t go overboard.  What I have discovered about myself is that during the winter months, I tend to eat more starches and my serotonin levels become a little too high, causing me to feel less energetic.  If you think you might be guilty of that, reduce the potatoes and add a little chicken to your plate.  Keyword here – little.  I do not believe in high-protein diets for reasons too numerous to mention in this post.  An excellent resource on this topic is Food & Mood.
6. Drink several glasses of water.  Seriously, if you want an “instant fix” for your energy drop, pour yourself a glass of water and keep them coming until you feel better.  Try this for me.  It is very possible that your lack of energy is due to dehydration.  I become much more dehydrated in the winter and it shows on my skin.  That’s how I know it’s time to start the water marathon.  We’ve all heard this before, and we know it’s true, but it’s difficult for most of us to get the water we need.  However, I have found that once we’re reminded of its benefits, we make the connection, start drinking more water, and almost instantly feel better.  Seriously, try it, right now.
7. Read something motivational.  One author that I can always count on to get me off my duff, energized, and ready to set the world on fire, is Steve Chandler.  He’s not going to hold your hand and tell you to “visualize a more energized body,” he’s going to kick you in the rear and tell you, “decide what you want and pay the price for it.  You’ll get it.”  And sometimes, that’s exactly what I need.  Here are my personal favorites from Steve.
8. De-clutter something.  Remember, Clutter Around You Creates Clutter In Your Brain, and a cluttered brain is understandably lethargic.  If you need help with some specific how-to’s, try OrganizedHome.com.
9. Meditate for 15 minutes on one thing you want.  At the end of the 15 minutes, ask, “How?”  Then do whatever the answer is.  Do just one thing that will get you closer to whatever it is you want right now.  Success is always energizing.

If you’ve tried several or all of these techniques and they don’t seem to be helping much, see your doctor.  You could have a serious medical condition such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, or depression. 

Thanks for reading today; I hope you’ll visit again soon or subscribe.  I post three times per week on topics directly related to helping women improve their lives.

Posted under Education, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Weight Loss