Living in Australia when you’ve grown up in the UK means that you often feel like you live in an upside down world. Whilst my friends and family are basking in hot days (although struggling without AC) back in London, I’m currently in the depths of winter here in Melbourne. It’s cold, dark, wet and frankly not all that pleasant. Whilst the perks of winter are definitely hibernating underneath a mountain of blankets with candles at every angle, I do find that the blues definitely hit at this time of year. It’s harder to get out of bed and I generally find that life takes a much slower pace – which can be frustrating. When I’m feeling a bit blue, these are some of the things I like do, or the things that help to get me out of my funk.
A Clean Home
As I spend so much time indoors at this time of year, having a clean, tidy and uncluttered home is pretty much paramount to my happiness. Whilst I always try to maintain a degree of order 365 times a year, in summer when I’m in and out of the house enjoying the sunshine it’s far less essential. Ensuring my house is tidy and zen-like is a weekly requirement for me (something that normally gets done on a Saturday) and really helps to make me feel happy and settled. Fresh bedding, the aroma of a good candle and some pillow spray are all things I strongly recommend to help push a good sleep and a happy mind.
Fresh Flowers
I have regularly talked about the benefits of fresh flowers on this blog, but it had been a while since I practised what I preached. My boyfriend bought me a spontaneous bunch of flowers last week and it was so nice to have them in my house again. They bring a pop of colour, some nice smells and just generally brighten your home up. It doesn’t need to be an expensive pursuit either, a $10 bunch of tulips from the supermarket is enough for me – and something I want to make sure I add to my weekly shop.
Exercise
Whilst exercising at this time of year is a real struggle sometimes, once it’s done it’s always something that makes me feel good. It’s definitely a mind over matter situation – and whilst last week my gym buddy and I totally failed and took the week off – I’m ready to get back into it this week and force myself in there as I know once I’ve done one day, I’ll feel better and be motivated to complete the week. Half of the problem with exercise is motivating yourself to start, but I’ve never met anyone whose regretted a workout – so force yourself up out of bed and into your gym gear and you’ll definitely feel brighter and more buzzed afterwards.
Music & Podcasts
Both my boyfriend and I love music – so it’s something that works to cheer both of us up. Whilst our tastes in music are often quite different, pumping out some music can really help to alter my mood. Creating different playlists for different aspects of your day is something I really recommend – something upbeat for the gym, something calming for before bed are really simple ways to help to adjust your mood and alter your overall mindset. I love to listen to podcasts on my way to work as it’s a great way to put my phone away, rest my eyes and just get lost in someone else’s story.
What are your favourite ways to beat the blues?
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