There's Nothing You Can't Do... – A Lifestyle Blog by Tara Mackey

New York City. The city I was born and grew up in for my whole life until just a few years ago! It will always have a special place in my heart. Heck, even after I moved to LA, I was traveling to NYC just about every 4-6 weeks for the next 3 years! I’d call that homesickness. And can you blame me? New York City is bustling and beautiful. The history, the culture, the people, and the fact that I knew every shortcut, back alley and subway route like the back of my hand didn’t hurt either. They say, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.

I barely made it there. Between paying $1,000/month to live in places you could barely call closets, to upping my meds every single Winter because of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it’s super-annoying side effects, like lethargy, melancholy, and just plain having your epic plans constantly fall through. No, I spent a lot of time dreaming of the sunshine coast, chasing sunbeams for the 15 minutes a day they’d peek through the clouds on grey NYC days, waiting for the days when my plans didn’t quite have to be made around the weather.

In the interim between finding my house in LA and moving from New York, I had to face a few awkward months and “make it work”. So, how can you make it work, even if you’re sad, disappointed, lonely, shut in, or just plain feeling down this Winter?

Eat Wisely

Many of us turn to food for comfort during winter months, and end up packing on the pounds out of boredom, discontent or lack of awareness about what we’re consuming. You’re going to eat more naturally during months when you’re cold, so do it wisely. Eat foods that boost your mood and get you motivated. This means: avoid carbs, sugar, and caffeine! Try nuts, fruit, honey, teas and tinctures for upping your Serotonin and feeling motivated even on crappy days. Protein (like salmon) should be eaten 3 times a week, with four cups of bright colored veggies (like peppers or kale) are optimal for health.

Move

Lethargy always kicks in for me when I feel trapped and stagnant. Movement is the cure for this. Even if the snow is piled up, doing something as simple as breaking out your yoga mat or going up and down your stairs a few dozen times gets your blood moving, and improves your cardiac and adrenal health! This helps you to combat stress, anxiety and depression as well.

Herbs

The more herbs during winter months – the better! As long as they’re the right ones! Supplements like 5-HTP and St. John’s Wort can have a make it or break it affect on our moods! These are often the difference between me being in a foul mood and days when things seem more manageable.

Light

Surrounding yourself with as much natural light as possible is a great way to combat sadness or depression during the winter months. My favorite way to do this is candles – lots and lots of candles! Soy candles and beeswax are my favorite, like this one from Delizioso Skincare. Another favorite are himalayan salt lamps, which are purifying and calming.

Remember, it’s your life! It’s where dreams are made of: there’s nothing you can’t do. 🙂

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