How To Put Some Pep Into Fall And Winter
How To Put Some Pep Into Fall And Winter
Fall and winter are often mixed bags. On the one hand, they can deliver some fantastic days. On the other hand, sometimes they can just be a real slog.
Written by Liz Bayardelle, PhD | See Comments | Updated 09/14/2021
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How To Put Some Pep Into Fall And Winter
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Fall and winter are often mixed bags. On the one hand, they can deliver some fantastic days. On the other hand, sometimes they can just be a real slog. Those are the days when you need something to put some pep into your day. Here are five tips to help.
Keep Out Some of Your Summer Clothes
Summer knitwear can feature in your wardrobe all the way through fall and winter. Obviously, you would need to balance it with seasonally appropriate clothes. It can, however, be a great way to add some quirky charm to cold-weather outfits.
You might even want to keep out some of your lighter, brighter summer clothes. You probably won’t wear them outside your home (unless you go on a trip). You can, however, put them on every now and again to remind yourself that warmer days will come back again.
Stock Up on Canned Fruit
Canned fruit is the perfect way to bring a summer vibe to your plate while respecting sustainability. It can pep up your mains as well as making sumptuous desserts. For example, this pineapple teriyaki sauce recipe is Whole30, delicious, and sweetened naturally.
You can also use canned fruit to ring in the changes with traditional seasonal recipes. These are popular for a reason. Even so, as the months go on, you may find yourself wanting something a bit different.
Make the Most of Essential Oils
Scent really can make a huge difference to your mood. It’s great to enjoy seasonal fragrances like cinnamon, menthol, and sweet citrus. Sometimes, however, you may want something to help you conjure up images of spring and summer. The good news is that it’s easy to buy classic floral scents at any time of year.
If you fancy something a little different, you could look for fragrance blends that evoke beaches or deep forests, or country walks. These might be a challenge to create yourself. You could probably find recipes online. It can be expensive to buy all the necessary oils unless you’re sure you’re going to use them up.
Switch Up Good Lighting
If you’re not already using daylight light bulbs then now is the perfect time to switch them out. For extra fun, look for color-changing light bulbs. Like scent, color really can make a big difference to how you feel. If you’re skeptical about this, then think about how much effort companies make to choose the right colors for their brand.
You might also want to consider buying a sunrise alarm clock and/or a proper SAD lamp. These both use light to help combat the cold-season blues. Sunrise alarm clocks make you feel like you are being woken by the sun, rather than by a harsh alarm. SAD lamps actually replicate the effect of the sun.
Commit to Getting Outdoors
The idea that fresh air is good for you is backed by legitimate science. It holds true even when that air’s cold. If you really want to keep your spirits up over the cold months, commit to getting outdoors. Just having regular short walks (in nice, warm clothes) can make you feel a lot more positive!
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About the Author
Liz Bayardelle, PhD
Founder | Contributor
Liz (or Dr. Mommy, as her toddler started calling her after learning what a PhD was) is the happily sleep-deprived mom of a toddler (and professional raccoon noise impersonator), a sparkle-clad kidnado, a teenage stepdaughter, 200 cumulative pounds of dog, and herd of dustbunnies (if daily vacuuming doesn't occur). During nights and naptimes, she uses her PhD in business psychology as an author, speaker, and consultant. She also serves as an executive and principal for three companies, two of which she co-founded with her very patient (and equally exhausted) husband.