KEEPING POSITIVE WHEN YOU'D RATHER HIBERNATE

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it becomes harder and harder to keep a positive mood. It feels natural to want to snuggle under your covers and hibernate. You can keep your mood positive as stress and responsibilities increase during the holiday season it just might take more effort than usual. 5 Strategies To Reduce Grinchy Feelings:

1. Start each day with a warm drink. Put a splash of pumpkin spice in your coffee. Add whipped cream to a hot cocoa. Have a cozy cup of peppermint tea to start your morning.
2. Enjoy the cool breeze. Take time during your lunch break or when you pick up the kids after school to take a short walk. Walking 20 minutes twice a week has been clinically proven to boost mood.
3. Partake in holiday festivities. Plan something weekly with family or friends. Check out the lights, visit a craft fair, go to an outdoor ice rink, etc. Look up things to do near you and you will have something to look forward to.
4. Try to smile more. Read a joke, look up funny memes, watch a favorite comedy. When we smile, our bodies release endorphins that help boost mood.
5. Do something for yourself. Often times the needs or our partner, children, boss, etc. come before our own. Identify something that you can do for yourself. Prioritizing your needs gives you the mood boost that you need to be your best self.

It is important to do regular mood checks. You won’t engage in mood boosting activities if you are unaware that you need it. When we are in a bad mood we bring negative energy into our lives. Think about how you feel. It might help to visualize what emoji represents your current mood. Self-awareness is a key component of self care. Take time to care for yourself and you will reap the rewards of a good mood and attract positivity.