For many, fall means changing leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. But as the days grow colder, shorter and darker, many of us could use a little extra help keeping our spirits up. Below are 10 suggestions to help fight the winter blahs:
Prioritize Sleep Law practice is busy. And many of us are getting too little sleep. Seven to nine hours of quality sleep are recommended for most adults. Make sure to prioritize your sleep to help improve your resilience and overall mood.
Exercise Not only does exercise strengthen your body, but it also helps improve your mood. Do it solo or with friends. Take a class at your local gym or community center, or you can take a walk outside. Speaking of…
Spend Time Outdoors Nature is grounding, and spending time outside has been shown to improve mood. Listening to birds can calm your nervous system. And the extra sunshine from being outside can improve your mood on those darker days.
Work on a Hobby Hobbies have been shown to boost your mental well-being, improve cognitive function, and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Feel free to break out that old band instrument, paint a portrait of your pet, crochet that scarf, build that puzzle, or enjoy whatever makes you happy.
Enjoy a Local Museum Greater Cincinnati seems to have a museum for everyone on everything. Sometimes, just breaking out of the routine for an afternoon is a mood lift.
Watch a TV show, movie, or sports Fall is fun for soccer, football, and baseball. Winter brings basketball into the mix. If that’s your thing!
Learn Something New Anything. On any topic you’d like. Keep learning and growing. You can find all kinds of discussion groups around town, or you can sign up for (free) classes or discussion groups at your local public library.
Take Time to Read Studies show that reading decreases stress by 68% and also can help you sleep better. Hang Out with Loved Ones Whether it’s the family you’re born into or the one that you find, socializing can help us get out of our own heads, get into the moment, and remind us we are part of a wonderful community.
Take a Pause Whether that looks like setting a boundary around your “me” time so you’re not too overscheduled or starting a mindfulness or meditation practice, moments of solitude can help you pause and regroup. And, if you do want to start or enhance your mindfulness/meditation practice, don’t forget to sign up for the CBA Health and Well Being program. Amy L. Kurlansky has served as the Reference Librarian at the Hamilton County Law Library since March 2018, after 20 years of practicing law. She is a graduate of the CBA CALL program and serves as an appointed member of the CBA Admissions Committee, and as the Chair of the CBA Health and Well Being Committee.