Nov 23, 20212 min read

Surviving This Winter

Winter can be a very lonely time of year for some, especially with the short daylight hours and the long and dark nights. Even the most robust woman can find the months ahead a bit daunting. So how do we fill our time during this period? I know myself that once the daylight has gone, I'm ready for bed (usually around 6:30 pm!).

My default mode is to finish work, go home, put my PJs on and I'm done...I have little motivation to do anything. But I realise this isn't healthy, nor can it be sustained for four months of the year without going slightly crazy.

So this post-lockdown winter, I have decided to be bold and brave and challenge myself figuratively to "step out of my comfort zone" shed the cashmere blanket and get busy this winter.

Here are my plans...

Commit to meeting friends and cooking dinner one night per week.
Commit to meeting friends for a walk one night per week.
Remembering that the gym is my friend...my best friend in winter...I intend to get working on my summer 2022 body early this year.
Plan one night a month OUT OUT with the girls...cocktails, dinner, and dancing... ERRR OK! (Worth the effort every time.)
Start reading a great self-help book. Positivity is the key here. A friend has recommended The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters, touted as "The mind management programme for confidence, success and happiness." YES, PLEASE!
Declutter – photos, emails, and social media are all getting an overhaul – whilst watching SATC for the 100th time.
I am purposefully scheduling some "ME TIME" into the diary...baths, candles, facials...this always makes me feel better about myself.
Reaching out...when the going gets tough...I'll be calling my girlfriends. I'm looking forward to catching up with old friends that I have been too busy to message during post-lockdown summer frivolities!
Cinema nights with my son...cuddles, popcorn, laughter. Enough said!
Keeping on top of my blog weekly (I think my editor, Elaine, just had a heart attack!).

With a little careful planning and a ton of determination, I intend to emerge from the winter a spring goddess, organised, looking great, in the right headspace and positivity for 2022. I'll get by with a little help from my friends. x