Towards the end of January, I always feel this massive impatience for winter to just be over already. I crave the sun, long for warmth, and cherish every little bit of light in my life. Add seasonal depression on top on already gloomy days, and I have to remind myself that it’s okay to hunker down, hibernate, and weather out the storm.
As I read through your comments on my Instagram and your own posts, I see that I’m not alone. A lot of us seem to be infected with the “can-I-just-have-some-warmth-already” blues. This trend is why I made Warmth the topic for this Bawdy Building session.
It also got me thinking about having a plan in place for the hard days, the ones where you just can’t handle any more coldheartedness. I’ve shared my plan below, but I’d love to know how you hunker down and ride out your emotional and literal storms. Share your plan in the Bawdy Love Facebook group.
Whether you’re dealing with emotional gloom, stormy weather, or both, here’s a plan for gathering provisions, hunkering down, and waiting out the storm.
Get your favorite snack. Lately, I’m in love with rice cakes with hazelnut butter, honey, and cacao nibs. It’s the prefect combo of salty, crunchy, and sweet for me, and it goes great with my Bawdy Breakfast tea. Which reminds me, grab something warm to drink as well and a huge mug to drink it from.
Curl up in a fluffy, comfy blanket. I got mine at Goodwill for $5 and love it. Albie (my dog) has a matching one. He loves his too.
Turn on your favorite audiobook. When I’m cold, my little fingers don’t want to have to hold a book outside of the blankets and get cold. Plus, when I’m feeling depressed, I often don’t have the energy or effort to read. But I can listen. I rent mine from the library using the Overdrive app. If you haven’t listened to the Bawdy Love audiobook, I highly suggest doing that. Audio sinks into our sub-conscious more than reading and makes changes to how we think and feel.
Let go of “shoulds”. Allow yourself time to sit and hibernate. Your body needs this downtime, it is just as important as movement but we often regard it as excessive and indulgent. It is okay to indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation, so relax.
You deserve the decadence of rest.
That’s it! I know, it’s super simple, but sometimes the simpler things are the hardest to do.
If you’re looking for more help in weathering the storm and bringing warm love into these gloomy days, check out my Bawdy Building: Warmth session. Enrollment ends February 7.