Use these self-care rituals and tips to reduce stress and anxiety and help boost your mood during the dark and cold winter months.*
Thank you to Natrol for sponsoring this post. The content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Growing up in the Midwest, I can’t say I love the cold but I sort of get used to it over the course of the winter. For me, the hardest part of winter is the short days, when darkness comes all too quickly.
…Plus the fact that it’s not as easy to be outside. In the warmer months my husband and I take a walk after dinner most evenings. However, in the wintertime, it’s pitch black and freezing cold, so those walks just are not appealing anymore.
You can see how it’s easy to get into a slump in the winter months. The darkness and lack of fresh air and activity can lead anyone to feel a bit depressed and less energetic than other times of the year.
January and February are the hardest months for me. I’ve learned to cope by keeping up with self-care rituals that help improve my mood when the dark days and the deep freeze sets in.
Self-Care Rituals to Boost Your Mood*
“Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury”
As a busy mom, you may find making time for self-care a challenge, but keep in mind that everything runs smoother when mom is feeling good!!
So try out some of these self-care rituals this winter – the improvement in your mood will benefit the whole family!
1.) Say Yes to Yoga
Any amount of yoga is good for your body and soul – whether you have a regular yoga practice, or just try to sneak in a vinyasa every once in a while. Yoga is known for helping to manage anxiety and stress, and can help calm your overactive brain.*
Tip: 10 yoga poses to reduce stress (Child’s pose works wonders for me!)
2.) Supplement with 5-HTP
Part of taking care of yourself is finding supplements that support your needs. That’s why in the dark winter months, I take Natrol 5-HTP every day. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a drug-free, plant-derived amino acid that helps your body synthesize serotonin, which promotes a calm and relaxed mood.*
Natrol 5-HTP Mood & Stress supplements come in both capsules (as shown above) or fast dissolve tablets. Natrol 5-HTP Fast Dissolve comes in a wild berry flavor that tastes great and can be taken anytime, with no water needed.
Natrol is the #1 5-HTP brand in America^ and is available at local drug stores, select grocers, warehouse clubs and online retailers. Look for the signature purple cap!
Tip: Take supplements at the same time every day to help create a habit.
3.) Get Outside
Getting a dog was one of the best things I’ve done for my mental health and it’s not just because he is a sweet furry friend! One of the biggest benefits of having a dog is that he takes me on a walk outside every day!
Fresh air, exercise and Vitamin D from the sun are all excellent ways to alleviate the winter blues.
Tip: Silk long underwear is my best friend! When you are properly bundled up, the cold air won’t bite so hard.
4.) Prioritize Relaxing Activities
My perfect winter evening involves a cup of herbal tea and either reading a good book, working on a puzzle with my family, or doing coloring pages to let my mind slow down and my worries wash away.
Relaxing activities like these can be hard to prioritize, but the pay off is lower stress and a better mood overall!
Tip: I love this Color Me Calm coloring book for adults.
5.) Make Time for Meditation
When anxiety or a bad mood hits, I turn to my breath. Even a few minutes of focused breathing can calm my mind and reduce feelings of stress.*
Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety and mental stress* so whether you can make meditation a regular practice or simply fit in 10 minutes when you can, it is well worth your time.
Tip: The Headspace app is excellent and you can start for free!
6.) Indulge in a Spa Treatment
Dreaming of spa treatments is one thing, but treating yourself to a massage or a facial is bound to boost your mood! If a trip to the spa is not in your budget, do a facial at home using clean beauty products. Remember: Happy Momma = Happy Family!!
Tip: A clean beauty box subscription is a fun way to treat yourself!
What are your go-to self-care rituals?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
^Nielsen, xAOC, 52 weeks ending 11/30/19
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