Powerful Mindset Swaps for a Covid Winter

Hi Friends,

I Hope You've Enjoyed All the Recent Spring-Like Weather in the Northeast! 

Quite a bonus for November! After weeks of election craziness in this country, I feel like we deserved the uncharacteristically beautiful weather of the past weekend. And I recognize that despite the unseasonably warm temperatures we have recently experienced, winter is right around the corner. ​

For most of us, the thought of dark, cold winter days is very unappealing during any year. In fact, shorter winter days are often associated with the winter 'blues'. Some people actually suffer from a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which stems from exposure to less light during this time of year. If you do experience depression related to the season, please know that there are very effective ways of treating this condition, and you should consult your doctor.

Both friends and clients that I have spoken to recently are even more concerned about this winter because of restrictions in place due to Covid-19.  They are upset that air travel and short escapes to warmer climates seem to be less viable options. In addition, there are fewer indoor entertainment alternatives available now (limited indoor dining, no theater, etc.). The primary focus this season seems to be on the weather-related limitations, namely: cold dark days, social isolation, anticipation of loneliness and boredom, with few, if any, options to escape! As a result of this thinking, people are more likely to actually experience this winter in a very negative way. As I've mentioned in previous newsletters, mindset leads the way to creating our actual experiences in life.

But Good News...Coaching To the Rescue!!

As this Covid winter knocks at our doors, I have some suggestions for new ways to think about some of the negative thoughts currently swirling around in our heads. Because our thoughts create our feelings and ultimately, our actions, it is important to alter these negative thoughts to help us create a different experience of the winter. My hope is that the thought 'reframes' I am providing will allow you to have a more expanded, positive outlook and ultimately, a better experience of this upcoming season.
 
Before I give you my "Mindset Swaps" to improve your outlook this winter, I want to remind you not to be hard on yourself for your thoughts. If you do feel this rush of negativity or anxiety wash over you when thinking about the winter, just accept that these feelings are real for you. 

• Take a few deep breaths (exhale longer than the inhale to relax your body).
• Accept whatever feelings you have about the winter. Pretending they do not exist is not the way to get rid of them. Simply acknowledge that you are feeling upset, nervous, angry, negative, whatever it is. It's okay, whatever you feel.

See your thoughts and feel them, because I have some effective ways for you to see these thoughts differently. In fact, you may end up feeling much more rejuvenated than you expected post-winter, and begin the Spring season feeling strong, happy and full of energy.

Mindset Swaps For a Happier Covid-19 Winter

Think Cozy, Not Dark and Depressing

The shorter days of winter make us think of darkness, but lots of positive things come to mind when we think about being inside a warm place on a cold night. You can create a warm, embraced feeling by:
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• Eating hot, nourishing foods of the season. Root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots have a grounding effect on our bodies. Delicious in hot soups and stews, they warm us inside and out, even make us feel sleepier at the end of the day.
• Getting more sleep. Use the shorter days to your advantage. We are all sleep deprived. Winter is a great time to intentionally create a longer nighttime routine so we can fall asleep a little earlier. (Click here for my newsletter on sleep.)
• Create coziness. Invest in a soft robe, warm socks and beautiful cozy throws for your couch so you feel comfy and tucked in as you relax or watch a great movie at home. 

Think Indulgence, Not Deprivation

Instead of thinking about what you don't have during this winter, you can actually focus on what you can indulge in that feels especially luxurious at this time of year.
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• Long, hot baths with essential oils, followed by a warm, fluffy towel.
• Routinely slathering on creamy lotions and moisturizers that nourish and pamper dry winter skin.
• Hot drinks that warm us on the inside. Think herbal teas that are richer, such as dandelion, chai and cinnamon. Some teas actually have calming effects on the body, such as peppermint, chamomile, kava, and valerian, among others. An occasional hot cocoa or flavored latte (not too close to bedtime or you will be up all night) can also be soothing and indulgent on a cold winter night. Again, with these choices, be aware of the caffeine content that can potentially interfere with your sleep. 

Think Growth and Expansion, Not Boredom and Monotony

Why not take advantage of the extended time indoors to figure out ways to grow and feel more expansive? More darkness does not have to mean hibernation. Increased time indoors is the perfect time for personal growth: physically, intellectually or spiritually.
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• Learn something new by taking advantage of one of the literally hundreds of classes now available online. You can actively participate in cooking, singing, music lessons, foreign language classes, wine tasting, you name it! Through online universities, or platforms like Coursera and Udemy, you can learn something completely new in the arts, history, or literature.  And taking a series of classes provides structure to your schedule over several weeks, and give you something to look forward to on a regular basis.
• Book clubs and meet-ups are now available online and can actually be a great way to meet new people because they are highly interactive. I made a good friend during this pandemic through a book club I joined in March. We still talk every other week even though the class ended in June.
• Hobbies and interests established pre-Covid are often available through apps now, so that they can still be played despite the need to socially distance. Canasta and Bridge are two examples of this. And of course, every type of exercise is offered online as well. What if getting in the best shape of your life was actually your goal this winter? It's a possibility!
• Resurrect an old hobby. Think of things you used to love to do that you haven't had time for in the recent past. Needlepoint, knitting, painting, a musical instrument....the possibilities are endless.

Think 'Daytime Socializing', Not 'No Socializing'

There are truly so many benefits to daytime socializing vs going out at night, particularly in bad weather.
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• Travelling to and from social engagements is generally safer during the day, particularly in inclement weather.
• Being outside in the crisp, fresh air is invigorating and so good for the mind and body. Particularly when you get out in nature, the mind tends to feel calmer and more grounded.
• This is a great time to grab a friend and walk outside. This has the added benefit of time spent connecting in addition to the increased movement for your body.
• Your body burns more calories when you are outside in the cold. The pandemic protocol to spend more time outdoors may have the added benefit of easier weight loss this winter!
• Why not make the biggest meal of the day your lunch? Eating out with friends at an outdoor cafe during the day is a great idea. You will give your body more time to digest the heavier restaurant meal, and you can opt to eat lighter at night for dinner. Your body will love the switch, as it will have a chance to fully digest all the food you have eaten before you go to sleep. 
• Spending more time outdoors actually helps regulate your circadian rhythms and therefore help you sleep better.

Think 'Fashion Queen', Not 'Polar Bear'

For those of you who are interested in the fashion perspective of each season (guilty!!), this winter will put a few twists on how you spend your clothing budget.
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• Allocate most of your clothing budget to fabulous outerwear: coats, scarves, gloves and boots. Being outdoors more means dressing appropriately for the cold weather. Why not be stylish? Invest in outdoor clothing that helps you look and feel great.
• This may seem obvious given the last point, but now you can spend less money on indoor clothing for going out. Many of us are still working from home, and most of the outdoor socializing may in fact take place outside, coats on!
• Speaking of work from home, for those of us who do work from home, the winter commute was really never any fun. Problem eliminated!

Think Seasonal, Not Permanent

Remember, winter lasts only a few months. This winter will undoubtedly present some new challenges, but your attitude about those challenges plays a huge role in how you actually experience this time. The list above is by no means all-inclusive. I'd love to hear YOUR ideas for ways to reframe some of the negative thoughts in order to 'expand your vision' so you can find new possibilities for yourself. Feel free to reach out to me (hit "reply")  and let me know what you've come up with. I always love to know what's working for you!

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Let's stay connected...even more often! ​

To all my social media lovers, in addition to my presence on Facebook, I've finally joined the world of Instagram!  Communicating on social media has been a great way to talk directly to the women I love, women like you. I enjoy hearing what you have to say, and seeing what resonates most with you as you navigate life during these 'tricky' times. My Instagram content is a bit more 'bite-sized' than these newsletters, but don't worry, they are still full of all the relevant intel!  I am still discussing issues related to feeling better as you age, and will cover everything from food, movement, and lifestyle issues, to self-expression, slowing down and embracing joy. 

​I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram @wellnesscoachlori for discussions about things that can help you feel like you are aging better, and more importantly, like you are continuing to grow. And staying connected right now is a truly important way to learn, to thrive and to feel supported during these very challenging times.​

Please come join me in this new way! ​

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And as always, if there is any way I can help you get through a personally challenging time, or to meet your goals (big or small), while we are living life a little differently, click here and schedule a free discovery call. Then we can discuss how I can provide the system, stretch and accountability you need to get over some of the hurdles you are experiencing with respect to your health and life goals.

Together, we can take one step at a time so you experience life in a way that truly reflects the person you want to be as you age.

Reach out if you want to learn more about how you can feel great in your body (without losing your mind). Simply send me an email, or call me at (201) 803-3257.

I'm also offering a free Discovery Call to discuss your goals and how I can help you. Click here to schedule your free 45 minute phone session with no obligation.

Let's talk!
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In Good Health,