Winter pick me up tips

Well, I'm feeling glum and a bit down.
I miss the sunshine of Cape Town, we were in the beautiful mother city for a week a few weeks back. Christmas time is always so difficult as I miss my family back in South Africa too much. The dark and miserable weather feels relentless and it's only December.

I thought I would share some tips on what makes me happier and able to cope with what seems like an endless winter.

- Allow yourself to have warm, comfort food. Homemade soups with roasted veggies, soups with warm bread, or hearty stews are winter winners. Be gentle on yourself with the coldness of winter, Christmas celebrations or snacks at work, allow yourself to gain weight or allow yourself to have heartier meals.
Do this all within reason of course, still have as much fresh fruit and veg as you can. Try not to overdo the junk food such as pastries, snacks or sweets as it drains your energy and makes you feel bloated and generally low in energy. There is so much stress around weight loss and unrealistic weight/diet goals this time of the year. You are allowed to comfort and celebrate your body around Christmas.

- Try reduce the amount of caffeine you drink daily. We all love a good warm drink especially when it's dark and cold and I for one could never give up my lovely coffee.
Caffeine can cause a spike then drop in energy and you can too easily rely on it for that pick me up when tired or in unhealthy habits. Try buying a proper cup of coffee-whatever that is for you, whether a latte, a cappuccino, or an espresso. Savour the perfect cup, but try reduce the amount of caffeine consumed - by adding in healthier alternatives such as herbal teas or hot chocolates. I for one am not a herbal tea fan but I love a good cup of Red Bush with some milk - it reminds me of childhood. There are so many fruit or herbal teas around you are bound to find one you can drink. There is hot chocolate as an option too but remember the healthier types are better and try look for ones with less sugar added as you don't want to reduce caffeine to replace it with sugar as that creates the same spike and drop in energy.

- There is nothing better than relaxing in your pyjamas after a busy and cold day, but I found living in them whatever opportunity I have starts to have the opposite effect on me. It lifts my spirits and makes me feel good about myself if on occasion I get dressed and put some make up on or keep my make up on after work.
I'm not saying a full face of make up every moment of every day and I'm definitely not saying heels at every opportunity but if you make an effort it really does make you feel better! With all that advice given  a good no make up - pyjama day - snuggled up with my husband will still be my best day.

- This winter pick me up tip is small but one of my favourites. In the dark, cold months of winter include some light in your life. Fairy lights or candles add a soft warm glow and I'm sure the light makes you feel better inside. Christmas is a good excuse to put up a tree and add some twinkling lights and smile every time you look at its beauty.

Thankfully Christmas is a festive time in the middle of our winter. Enjoy and celebrate and most importantly count your blessings of health, happiness, a wonderful family and special friends. Plus be  thankful for the love of dance and passion of dance we share.

Share your winter survival tips by blog post or by email on:dancegrace2@gmail.com

Love to all xx