The start of the new year can be one of the most difficult months of the season. It’s a fight to beat the winter blues and burnout. I find getting up when it’s dark outside and coming home when it’s dark to be a downer. It is harder to get out of bed in the morning. I lay in bed for a few minutes after the alarm goes off. Then slowly peel back the covers and wriggle out of bed.
The effects of the pandemic on people are starting to crop up in burnout. Many people I know are just surviving and barely keeping up with their daily burdens.
There are so many programs that advertise they can make you the newest version of yourself. Workout programs, masterclasses and subscriptions bombard my inbox and apps. I ignore the pressure to look a certain way and instead focus on how I can feel better and grow in my profession and spiritual life.
A healthy mindset is the perfect pathway to success. Recently I was listening to a podcast called the Creative Pep Talk. Illustrator Andy J. Pizza suggested saying three magic words – “I choose you” – when confronting any monster or obstacle in your life. The phrase is from the Pokemon the Series, and the main character Ash Ketchum has to choose a Pokemon, a pocket monster. The only one left to choose is Pikachu, a wild electric mouse. Instead of feeling defeated because all the best Pokemon were chosen, Ash says to Pikachu, “I choose you, Pikachu!”
I choose you [name whatever bothers you or you don’t appreciate in your life]. For example, “I choose you – bipolar disorder.” Otherwise I never would have met the people I have as friends. Such as Treasa in Oberstown, Lusk, in Ireland. Or Julie Kraft in Phoenix, Ariz. I wouldn’t have a language around mental health, emotions, and well-being. I learned lessons of empathy, companionship, and confidence because of my struggles.
To cheer up my spirit and stay balanced in the darkest time of the season, I follow these five self-care tips:
The first is to get a good night’s sleep. Start a bedtime routine. Find a few moments before bed to wind down. Turn the lights down low, try not to look at your phone, and breathe deep breaths. Taking the time to rest is necessary for good mental hygiene. Our bodies and brains need a break. When we sleep our bodies repair and maintain every part of our body. Having at least seven to nine hours of sleep means we can problem-solve better, and it improves our mood as we have better energy levels. Getting enough sleep decreases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
The second tip is go for a walk outdoors. Exercise is a great way to help decompress the stress of the day and recharge the brain. I have my most creative thoughts while walking. It improves sleep and boosts your mood when you go for a walk. I notice how much my mood changes for the better when I am out for a walk with my sister or colleague. We marvel at the view of the mountains and the brisk air and enjoy each other’s company.
The third self-care tip is to pray a repetitive prayer. Praying the Hail Mary over and over again is one of my treasured prayers. As I have mentioned before, the Rosary prayers are the perfect breath regulator. When we recite the Hail Mary our inhaling and exhaling help to regulate our breath. It is a calming and a powerful prayer. Mary promises to help us “now and at the hour of our death,” which I find very comforting. As I sat in the chapel one morning I whispered, “Hail Mary full of grace…” and prayed for my family, friends, and those who have asked for prayers. Then I entrust everyone to Jesus. “Lord, take care of everything.”
The fourth tip is to listen to music. Unwind with some of your most loved songs. This will bring instant comfort and feelings of relaxation. The beauty of music is that it soothes our bodies with its tones and rhythms. Music can reduce pain and motivate us when we exercise. It improves our focus and sleep quality. Some of my preferred songs to listen to are praise and worship music and upbeat pop songs.
The fifth self-care tip is to chat with a friend. Our nerves can relax when we share our joys and sorrows with a friend. It makes a difference when we know someone is there listening to us, sharing our hearts. It can bring us peace. When I am on my way home from work or before work begins, I call up a friend and talk to them for a while. It nurtures inspiration for the work I am doing. And it motivates me to pray more through the conversations we have.
I hope that you find ways to stay happy and healthy through the winter blues. And that you will flourish like the winter roses that endure harsh weather seasons. Like Matt Maher sings in his Christmas song, “We are waiting on the promise for the one who lights the darkness.”
The Lord is with us in our suffering. “For unto us a child is born … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6)
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