Brighten Your Day Amidst the Gloom

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It is spring time which means a lot of rainy and cloudy days here in Maryland. As much as we hate to admit it, the weather really can impact on our mood.

I love spring, everything is coming back to life and it’s getting warmer outside. Say goodbye to the snow shovel and heavy winter coat, goodbye to seasonal depression and frost bitten noses. But unfortunately, for some areas, that means bringing out the rain boots, rain jackets and more time indoors. It means days or full weeks of nothing but rain and clouds. That saying “April showers brings May flowers” is 100% true here on the east coast.

This week, for example, we’ve had clouds and rain for three days straight. Really makes you just want to cuddle up on the couch for a super marathon of your favorite shows. But alas, we all have lives that have to continue, jobs to work, a house to maintain, kids and pets to take care of.

So how do you brighten your mood and feel motivated when it’s so dark and dreary outside? Here’s a few tips to get you through those not so sunny days.

Brighten your indoor space

Turn on the lights! Light some candles. Nothing like a dark room to really make you want to sleep.

Get outside when you can

You’re probably like “ummm Nicole… It’s raining??” I know, I know, but hear me out. You may find small amounts of time during the day where it is not raining. Try to take advantage of these moments to get outside for a walk. Or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, go play in the rain! You’re not the witch from Wizard of Oz, you won’t melt!

Do something that makes you feel good

Put on some feel good music and dance like no one is watching. Read a good book. Take a relaxing bath. Bake cookies with the kids. Play dress up. Think about what puts you in a good mood and do that! 

Exercise

We all know exercise is a mood booster so try to get some movement in. That could be in the form of yoga with your doggie, walking on the treadmill, lifting weights at the gym, doing a HIIT workout in your basement. Sometimes exercise is the best medicine. Think about how you can get your kids involved too. 

Remember this is temporary

The rain has to stop at some point and the sun will come back out again. So, when it feels like it is never ending remember that is not true! Plan something fun to do outside when the sun does come out so you have something to look forward to. 

Give yourself some grace

Try not to be so hard on yourself if you didn’t have as productive a day as you had hoped. It is understandable that you feel lethargic when it is cloudy. So, give yourself some time to rest and know that your to-do’s will be there tomorrow. Not everything has to be accomplished today.

Until next time, xoxo Nicole

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