Changing of Habits, Changing of Seasons

This post is written by contributing author Shelly Kerry.

Oh winter! Moving from the East Coast to San Francisco, winter definitely has some different meanings to me. I don’t miss the frigid temperatures, the ice or the snow for that matter and am very content with the manageable SF weather. But I still deal with some of the internal and emotional changes that come with the sun setting earlier. I still spend more time at home getting comfy on my couch and still fight to stay motivated during a time that my body naturally wants to slow down.

Two of my favorite online ladies, Jena and Jen from The Maven Circle spoke this week on maintaining good habits. Our minds must have been aligned because I too had been spending the last few weeks thinking about how the change of seasons can affect all of our good routines – exercise, healthy eating and spending time with friends. It may not matter whether the temperature is 65 or negative 10. There might be emotional attachments that come with the autumn and winter months that call for a change in action.

As we prepare for the winter months, make time to check in with yourself. It is a great habit whether you check in when you exercise, when you wake up in the morning or when you meditate. 

Photo: kanelstrand

Don’t be afraid of maintaining positive conversations with yourself. “How many times did I skip the gym this week?” ”How many hours did I spend creating or working on my projects?” Develop an honest and always kind and forgiving relationship with your thoughts. Being honest allows you to make the necessary changes. On my days off I usually prefer to work out in the later afternoon. However, with the sun setting at 5:30 pm these days I am realizing that I will have to work out earlier or it’s just not going to happen. Is it getting to chilly for your walks? I plan on replacing my afternoon walks with a warming yoga class.

I have very unconventional work hours and tend to stay up very late working. If you find yourself with similar habits maybe join me in my promise to go to bed and wake up one hour earlier. With the sun rising earlier this will give you the extra hour of daylight you might be missing. This is a hard one for me!

Take advantage of the time you want to spend inside. Get crafty, start new projects and fill your house with healthy foods and snacks. Make your home an awesome, comfy place to be during the less motivating months. Don’t let it become a dark and depressing place. Plan a few gatherings for friends and family and spend some time getting your home ready for company.

With staying home in mind, this is a great time to define a motivating and inspiring space in your home just for you. If you share your home with your family, your partner or roommates, you all will be probably spending more time inside. If you are like me, you need a space you can call your own. Even if it is just a small desk in the living room, claim it and make it an inspiring, clutter free zone where you can find a little space.

And lastly get outside! Bundle up and spend at least one day a week meeting friends or family out for coffee or something else fun. Let us all promise to not get trapped by the early evenings and chilly temperatures.

Shelly is the founder of the program Creating Space, Mindful Living – motivating and inspiring people to run their businesses more efficiently. She helps others look at their personal and professional lives and explore what is and isn’t working. As a jewelry designer she has spent many years testing and honing the skills and discipline needed to run your own creative business while still having time for friends, family and fun. She puts her wealth of experience to use in the Creating Space service – healthy living advice to help keep you motivated and make the most out of your already busy schedule. She will help you find both the physical and emotional space so you can pursue your dreams and she’ll always insist there’s time for yourself. You can also find Creating Space on Facebook or contact shelly@creatingspacemindfulliving.com