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Crowding Out the Seasonal Blahs
If you follow the barre3 Nutrition Philosophy you’ve probably heard us talk about crowding out unhealthy foods with healthier options. By doing this regularly, before long the healthy choices will actually turn into preferences.
Did you know that this same principle can be applied to your emotions? With winter in full swing, some of you have reported a serious case of the seasonal blahs. By crowding out negative feelings with the things that bring you joy, there won’t be enough room for the things that bring you down.
To practice crowding out, first ask yourself this simple question: What makes me happy? Once you’ve identified the things that lift your spirits, start incorporating them into daily life as much as possible. Do you love puppies? (Who doesn’t?) Foster a pup or volunteer at a local shelter. If music energizes you, make a playlist of your top power anthems and rock it regularly.
Of course, everyone’s list will be different. But to give you an idea of where to start, here are a few of our favorite mood boosters:
Aromatherapy
Essential oils stimulate a part of the brain that affects emotion, which means that certain fragrances can help you feel more balanced and relaxed. Our current obsession is this soy and paraffin candle from Lafco. It features a blissful mix of chamomile and lavender to help promote a sense of well being.
Acupuncture
Our moods and energy levels fluctuate with the seasons. Acupuncture can help balance your qi and increase your body’s energy flow, which in turn enhances your mood. Many of us on the home team swear by acupuncture treatments; after every session, we feel brighter, restored, and energized.
Light
Sunlight prompts our systems to produce the hormones directly responsible for improving mood. During the winter, we don’t see the sun much in rainy Portland, so several of us have invested in light boxes, which mimic natural outdoor light. 10 minutes is all it takes to feel calmer, happier, and more focused.
Friends and Family
A strong network of support is one of the best things you can do to beat the blues. Whether that’s going to the studio with a friend or an afternoon of playing with your niece, identify the people that make you smile and connect with them regularly.
Nature
Problems just have a way of seeming smaller when you’re in the great outdoors. So bundle up and take a hike, walk with a pal, or bust out a 10-minute app workout on your favorite park bench.
Remember, these are just suggestions—make your list your own! Then use it to crowd out the blahs with a whole lot of bliss.
What are your favorite ways to shake off a bad mood? Share in the comments below!
If you follow the barre3 Nutrition Philosophy you’ve probably heard us talk about crowding out unhealthy foods with healthier options. By doing this regularly, before long the healthy choices will actually turn into preferences.
Did you know that this same principle can be applied to your emotions? With winter in full swing, some of you have reported a serious case of the seasonal blahs. By crowding out negative feelings with the things that bring you joy, there won’t be enough room for the things that bring you down.
To practice crowding out, first ask yourself this simple question: What makes me happy? Once you’ve identified the things that lift your spirits, start incorporating them into daily life as much as possible. Do you love puppies? (Who doesn’t?) Foster a pup or volunteer at a local shelter. If music energizes you, make a playlist of your top power anthems and rock it regularly.
Of course, everyone’s list will be different. But to give you an idea of where to start, here are a few of our favorite mood boosters:
Aromatherapy
Essential oils stimulate a part of the brain that affects emotion, which means that certain fragrances can help you feel more balanced and relaxed. Our current obsession is this soy and paraffin candle from Lafco. It features a blissful mix of chamomile and lavender to help promote a sense of well being.
Acupuncture
Our moods and energy levels fluctuate with the seasons. Acupuncture can help balance your qi and increase your body’s energy flow, which in turn enhances your mood. Many of us on the home team swear by acupuncture treatments; after every session, we feel brighter, restored, and energized.
Light
Sunlight prompts our systems to produce the hormones directly responsible for improving mood. During the winter, we don’t see the sun much in rainy Portland, so several of us have invested in light boxes, which mimic natural outdoor light. 10 minutes is all it takes to feel calmer, happier, and more focused.
Friends and Family
A strong network of support is one of the best things you can do to beat the blues. Whether that’s going to the studio with a friend or an afternoon of playing with your niece, identify the people that make you smile and connect with them regularly.
Nature
Problems just have a way of seeming smaller when you’re in the great outdoors. So bundle up and take a hike, walk with a pal, or bust out a 10-minute app workout on your favorite park bench.
Remember, these are just suggestions—make your list your own! Then use it to crowd out the blahs with a whole lot of bliss.
What are your favorite ways to shake off a bad mood? Share in the comments below!
