3 tips to navigate your way through the winter months well

At this time of year, it's natural (and normal) for us to retreat inwards. We tend to focus more intently on ourselves and in particular anything that's worrying us. Have you noticed that? 

It can be really daunting for some because you come face to face with thoughts and feelings that drag you down. (Ever heard the term "winter blues"? It really is a thing!)

This is, as I said natural (and normal) but it can affect some more significantly than others. And I think that's a really important point. Because it's not that there's something wrong with you. You're human and part of nature, so you'll be affected by the change in seasons.

So what can we do about it? Because the days are going to be colder for a while yet.

Acknowledge it.

Acknowledge how you feel. Fighting or resisting it won't make it any easier. In fact, when we acknowledge something, we de-power it because it's no longer controlling us. And it doesn't have to be a big story, it could just simply be - the days are colder and as we go through winter I can expect to go inward more.

Write it out. 

Thoughts left racing around in your mind, especially the negative ones - the worries, doubts and fears - can get bigger and worse than they really are. Why? Because your brain looks for and latches onto anything that might threaten you. It does that to keep you safe. And all those worries, doubts and fears fall into that 'threat camp"! When you write down what's going on in your mind you de-power those thoughts. So, if you don't already journal, now would be a great time to start!

Reframe it.

We're the programmers of our mind and that means we get to choose what we think. And I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it - it's as if those thoughts have a mind of their own! But you really do. So rather than associate winter and going inward with being overwhelming or something that's negative, what if you reframed it? You could, for example, reframe it as being an opportunity to take a look at what's going on so you can reset. 

I trust those 3 tips are useful for you. I'd love to know which one you try and how you go.

And remember, it's natural (and normal) at this time of year to retreat inwards. But rather than let it overwhelm you or have you feeling stuck or out of sorts, develop a tool kit of strategies that empower you to move through it well. The 3 tips I shared with you today - acknowledge it, write it out and reframe - would go well in your tool kit.

Another way you could help yourself, is to get to know yourself better. For those who are already doing the Who Are You, Really? programme, the work you're doing through the modules will help you navigate your way through winter well.

Not signed up for the program yet?

For more information about the 4-week programme HEAD HERE.

And if you're ready to sign-up now GO STRAIGHT TO HERE.

About Tracey, your personal coach

Hey there, I'm Tracey, a once-upon-a-time chronic people pleaser who has kicked that habit to the curb! And thank goodness because the constant, at times overwhelming, pressure and stress was definitely not working well for me! These days I live well - I’ve aligned how I live with what matters to me. And it’s been life-changing!

If you’re ready to live well, I'm here to let you know it‘s possible to achieve success without sacrificing your quality of life or health. Using a good dose of ‘keeping-it-real’ soulfulness, I’ll guide you to reconnect with what matters to you, to understand the power of your own mind and to help you create a plan for success. Head here to find out more about how we can work together and if you have a question or want to find out more about coaching let me know here.