P isn’t just for Pandemic!Some dating tips to get you through the most holiday blues from planning to pampering!
The rush of the holidays, year-end parties, gatherings, and to-do lists are all in the past now. But the post-holiday rush and reduced light exposure can leave us feeling a little blue, unmotivated, and wishing we could pull the covers up over our heads until Spring.
You are not alone if you are feeling down. Post-holiday blues with the added stress of navigating the ongoing, and seemingly endless pandemic with its ever-changing guidelines. I hope we can lift you up here and add a little sunshine into the dark days of winter.
If your winter blues have you truly not functioning, please seek a health professional. The last two years have been stressful and sometimes it takes a few quiet moments to realize that we aren’t coping as well as we thought. It’s ok.
Having someone to talk to either professionally or personally is critical to our health and well-being. Seek out someone who can empathize with you and be a true supporter. Finding that person in your partner is a win-win.
While dating this season, try to have that hard conversation: How are you? Really? How do you cope with stress? Simply having a moment of vulnerability can bring depth to a relationship quicker than almost anything.
PLAN AN ACTIVE DATE NIGHT! Getting your body moving and getting some sunshine if you can with fresh air – no matter how cold – can boost your mood. Plus, getting a little chilly means there is added joy in warming up together in front of the fire.
PURGE. Believe it or not, purging your house of the Christmas decorations or tackling a messy garage can bring a sense of accomplishment, elevating your mood as well as bonding time. extra bonus if that man in your life is handy and willing to tackle a to do list of home fixes, all those little nagging jobs that never seem to get done. Make a game of it, set a time limit, and have a special reward for the person who checks the most items off the list!
PAMPER YOURSELF. You can never go wrong with taking some time for yourself and as a couple. An experience like a Nordic Spa or Hammam Spa can give you quality couple time in addition to well-deserved pampering and relaxation.
PICK A WORD FOR THE YEAR. Perhaps one of the best concepts since the New Year’s Resolution is the idea of finding a word that inspires you or keeps you on track to a goal or a mantra to keep you focussed and uplifted. Finding and sharing your word keeps you both accountable and supported.
PLAN A TRIP. Having something to look forward to can certainly lift the blues. Plan a trip together, even if it just means a stay-cation. What kind of weekend can you plan where you explore all the things you never see in your own city? And don’t overlook booking the hotel,
stay a night in your own town in that unique hotel, or AirBnB you’ve long admired or recommended to friends.
The answer to winter blues is only limited by your imagination and willingness to try new things. Embrace the sunny skies and cold air together, try a little pampering and self-care and don’t forget to be careful enough to avoid catching covid but reckless enough to create new memories.
