Winter can be an emotionally testing time as feelings of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) creep into our lives and getting anything done can be a strain, a drain and an absolute pain in the a**e! Seeing the bright side of life can be a challenge when it's bleak inside and out. We live in times of extreme change.
Here are some handy tools by MenSpeak founder Kenny Mammarella-D'Cruz to get you aware of what's going on, accept it and see it through to brighter skies and the next leg of your path. Putting one foot in front of the other is being in the present, knowing that bridges will come and that we can cross them, should we choose to, when we get to them.
Step 1: Reclaim your mind by breathing, showering and shivering
Many people, especially in the winter months, can wake up feeling panicked and out of control, expecting something terrible to happen. The best way to break the spell on 'analysis paralysis' is to breathe out of your head and into your body. Count down: 3-2-1 then leap out of bed and throw yourself into the shower. Festering in fear whilst obsessively thinking about how to fix the unfixable has never got anyone anywhere, so shock it off your skin with a blast of cold water and claim back your day.
Step 2: Write your negative thoughts and feelings out of you
Writing is an efficient technique to get the debris of negative thoughts and feelings out of your head and onto three sides of paper in a free-flowing stream of consciousness. So without thinking, crafting, judging and attempting to put anything to rights - write it out of you and set your mind free. You can safely set your scribbles on fire, unless you're the type of person who likes to keep a journal and check back on your patterns and cycles to know yourself better and remember what was.
Step 3: Move!
Whether you're a yang type of person: running, skipping, thrashing out lengths in the pool, pumping iron and getting your blood pumping through bulging veins; or your nature is more yin: walking the dog, cleaning your home, stretching into yogic postures or peacefully perfecting your breaststroke, regular activity makes all the difference.
Wild swimming is a real boost to your immune system, while wild dancing embodies and expresses like nothing else. Who cares what other people think? Be your own person, do your dance and set your spirit free.
Step 4: Be still…
Traditional meditation is sitting still, breathing consciously and observing your thoughts pass by as you quieten your mind into blissful being. Power thinking is not where it's at! There are many ways of accessing 'the zone', from communing with nature, ironing your shirts, cleaning the car, painting, doodling, tinkering, tai chi, chi gong, any creative expression that takes you out of your doing and connected with your being. So connect with yourself your way and casually connect with a benevolent universe.
Step 5: Be held by structure, but not too tightly
Some people do well with structure, routine and consistency, knowing what to expect without dealing with change or too much choice. Others need the space and flexibility to respond to whatever life brings, maintaining their sense of freedom rather than rebelling rigidity. The important thing is that you are not owned by your to-do list or bullied by your in-boxes. So balance reality with your personality, manage your energy cycles and do whatever will relieve the most pressure first, taking regular breaks and perhaps a necessary nap?
Step 6: Speak it out, be heard and get real
It's not healthy to be a total lone ranger, so speak it out with a stranger rather than carrying it around. A problem shared is an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others and to stand on the shoulders of giants, whilst making new friends.
