Summer is officially over, and while we can still expect a few more days of sunshine, most of us are starting to already dread the end of our ‘fun’ season. Getting back into work and study routines can feel pretty bleak, but it’s not all bad news – we’ve got some easy, effective tips to help you make the transition.
Set some new goals.
The eat-sleep-work-repeat cycle can really affect your mood – especially when the weather outside means less socialising, fewer weekend adventures, and more nights in with Netflix. Before the grind gets you down, take a few moments to think about some goals you’d like to achieve in this final chapter of 2016. Maybe it’s a new work project you’re determined to bring to life or a new workout class you want to master. Setting goals (and achieving them!) is an excellent way to keep yourself feeling energised. Need a little help? Check out this great Forbes article for some expert tips to stay motivated and achieve your goals.
Change is as good as a holiday.
Well, maybe not quite as good. But reinventing your space – be it at work or home – can make a big difference to how much you enjoy being there. Freshen up your workspace with a new desk, or try rearranging your set-up so you’re facing a new direction. Hang new artwork, paint the walls, or even just buy a couple of new houseplants. The time you spend breathing a little fresh air into your everyday environment will pay back in dividends.
Treat your body right.
Diet and exercise play a significant role in our general feelings of happiness and wellbeing. As the weather cools, it can be difficult to keep yourself on track with your healthy routines – who isn’t tempted to skip the gym and order pizza on a rainy night?? But by making a decision to eat well and prioritise your workouts, you’ll be taking care of more than just your physical state, with other proven benefits including improved stress management, and anxiety and depression relief. Need a healthy go-to winter dinner? Try our delicious Chia gnocchi.
Make time for things you enjoy:
Staying social is another important way we can beat the winter blues. Just because your work/life gets busy, and the weather outside is dismal, it doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun altogether. Schedule in a once a week social activity and commit to it like you would a client meeting. Catching up with friends, seeing a new exhibition, or even going to the cinema, are all easy ways you can avoid becoming a winter hermit.
Start planning a winter getaway!
Summer adventures might be off the cards for now, but it’s the perfect time to start thinking about a lovely winter getaway. Planning your next holiday is a sure-fire way to keep you pushing through in those cold, grey months. Whether you’re a ski bunny or prefer to stay rugged up by the fire, there are plenty of options to make winter fun. Can’t quite picture it? Get a little inspiration by imagining a weekend away at one of these beautiful cabins.
