Feeling Unmotivated? 5 Steps to Beating the Winter Blues
With the warmer weather and the approaching Spring, there is a sense of renewed energy in the air. But for some of us, even the change in the natural environment doesn’t seem enough to get us going. Here are some easy steps to help you get motivated even in the summer months:
- Think positive thoughts.
One of the ways we keep ourselves down is when we listen to our negative thoughts – thoughts that tell us that we can’t, won’t, and nothing will change. Find ways to talk back to these negative thoughts and form a new mantra. An example, “Go tackle the world because I’m awesome!”
- Don’t compare yourself to others.
It seems like everyone is living the life in the summer – vacations, beach bodies, etc – and you may get frustrated because that isn’t what your life looks and feels like.
Don’t get suckered into what people post on social media. It’s often a skewed snapshot of their everyday lives. Enjoy what you have and remind yourself that everyone has their bad days.
- Get outside.
Something in our body changes when we interact with nature. Take a few breaths of fresh air. Enjoy the warm rays of the sun. Let the grass tickle your toes. You’re guaranteed to feel better after spending some time enjoying nature.
- Set small but specific goals. THEN reward yourself.
Life can seem overwhelming and tasks can pile up. Start small! It could be just vacuuming the living room carpet… Once you’ve completed that task, you might be itching to do more. Treat yourself to a reward when you’ve crossed something off your to-do list. Aim low, start small.
- Do something with a friend.
It’s definitely hard to be motivated on your own. Think of a goal and ask a friend to do with you. You’ll find that the task you had to do suddenly seems to pass much more quickly. Surround yourself with positive people and you might even find that rubbing off on you.
Here’s to a more motivating and productive spring! Enjoy!
Melody Yeung, RP, CCC
Registered Psychotherapist & Canadian Certified Counsellor
Melody has a Masters of Arts in Child Study and Education and was an Elementary School Teacher for the Toronto District School Board. While teaching in inner city schools in Toronto, she recognized the importance of the social and emotional well-being of her students. She returned to school and received her Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto in 2012. She has worked in the area of psychotherapy since 2012 working with children, teenagers, and adults at various settings, such as the Toronto Reconciliation Mission Centre, the Medical Clinic for Person-Centered Psychotherapy, and Innate Wellness.
Detox in the Spring!
By Lara Frendjian, Registered Holistic Nutritionist
There is a reason people often get inspired to start spring cleaning this time of year. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Spring is the time of creating, cleaning, activity, movement, growth and renewal. The temperature begins to change, the environment shifts, and the body begins to prepare itself for cleansing and detoxifying. It’s also a perfect time to focus on releasing emotions that no longer serve us — specifically those rooted in anger, resentment, frustration, and lethargy.
Toxins are introduced to the body either through food or environment. Often the body is unable to rid itself of the toxins, and in order to protect internal organs, the body stores the toxins in fatty tissue, generally around the midsection. The body is unable to release the fat if insufficient antioxidants are taken in the diet and if liver function is not optimized. Our bodies are smart and are created for survival! If insufficient anti-oxidants are taken in the diet, and the toxins are released it would be detrimental to our health as toxins can cause significant damage to our internal organs. That’s why it’s essential to follow properly designed detoxification protocols.
Who can benefit from a detox?
The short answer is everyone! However, if you have difficulty losing weight or feel sluggish, have poor digestion, hormonal imbalances, and food sensitivities, you will certainly benefit from our detoxification protocols.
What does detoxification entail?
A truly beneficial protocol will support digestion, support optimal liver/gallbladder function and will recommend the intake of a sufficient amount of anti-oxidants.
Want to get started right away?
The colour green is predominant in spring and the taste of spring is sour — these are perfect places to focus your eating awareness. Leafy greens like dandelion, watercress, baby greens, chard, lettuces, sprouts, and arugula all have powerful liver and gallbladder purifying qualities, and can be easily incorporated into your diet.
If you are interested in a guided cleanse and detoxification protocol, connect with us. We offer one on one cleansing protocols as well as group sessions beginning at the end of March. The group sessions are limited in size and are available on a first come first serve basis.
Lara Frendjian, RHN, CA, CPA
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Lara is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. She is a health enthusiast on a mission to improve personal health and vitality, and a compassionate nutritionist providing tailored plans to help clients achieve a sustainable lifestyle of health and wellness. She is a passionate speaker and blogger with a special interest in research-based methods of improving health and longevity. After spending over 15 years in the corporate world, she understands how a busy life can get in the way of proper nutrition. As a result, she offers realistic solutions tailored to the needs and schedules of her clients.
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