Seasonal depression is an affliction many of us deal with every winter. As the days grow shorter and colder, anxiety and depression levels often heighten. And this year, COVID will make this winter even more challenging. With job loss, kids at home, and the inability to see friends and family during the coming months, increased depression and loneliness will be even harder to combat this year.
That’s why it’s now more important than ever to maintain our mental and physical wellbeing and ask for the support we need.
Seeking Help for Common Struggles During COVID
Because COVID continues to increase stress levels for family members across ages, financial and health status, and so much more, acknowledging what your body and mind are feeling is critical in caring for yourself. And, even though it’s easier to admit than put into practice, we must take care of ourselves in order to effectively serve those who rely on us.
I know it's hard to ask for help.
Talking with your family and friends is a start, but life coaching helps you channel those feelings into a purpose and direction, without fear of judgment. Mindfulness-based coaching guides you in resetting your life and renewing your sense of purpose. It requires asking hard questions to identify and clarify your goals and get motivated.
Reflect on Your New Year Goals
Heading into 2021, you’re probably considering your goals and New Year resolutions. But before you pursue these in full force, take a moment to pause and reflect.
Do your goals represent your authentic self and your core values?
Or are they someone else’s ideas of success and growth?
Are your intentions in line with the kind of person you want to be?
Or are they reflective of the person you already are?
It’s hard to stay motivated and achieve goals when they’re not really your own goals to begin with.
The New Year is the perfect opportunity to focus on your authentic self and the accomplishments you’ve already made. Think about your achievements over the past year and what you’re proud of. Let go of what doesn’t serve you and what isn’t a priority for you now.
Ask yourself these questions as you embrace the New Year:
If you could go back in time to who you were on Jan. 1, 2020, what would you tell yourself?
How could you more consciously live your life after your unique 2020 experience?
What changes would you make starting today?
How would you shed the old skin and give birth to a new you?
Practice Mindfulness
With the stress of this COVID winter and the New Year, it’s the perfect time to practice mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness is an effective tool to manage stress and seasonal depression. Mindfulness boosts your mental strength and helps silence the chatter that surrounds you. It requires you to pause and bring awareness to the present moment, while increasing clarity.
To start practicing, stop what you are doing — right now.
Take the
time to slow down and pay attention to the present moment. Smell it, taste it, hear it — bring all of your senses to the environment around you. Focus on your breathing, and give yourself space to simply exist.
Notice what the sensations of inhaling and exhaling feel like.
How I Can Help
Mindfulness takes practice, and I can help you channel its transformative power. In my approach to mindfulness-based coaching, I guide you in overcoming your worries for the future and focus on what matters most now.
Together, we can reset your life and restore your motivation and purpose. Take the first step today and reach out for a free consultation.
