No doubt about it. March 2020 definitely came in like a lion with a 60 kilometre an hour wind and blowing snow on March 1st - it caused motorists to be aware while driving on the highway and caused most others to stay indoors. But the calendar says March 19th is the day everyone can enjoy the official arrival of spring. That is unless Mother Nature pulls another fast card in the coming days. It is Saskatchewan, after all.
Adriana Clea Hackl - Wellness coach
It is the reason that Adriana Clea Hackl has been offering suggestions to anyone who asks aimed at keeping up optimism and good spirit as we all endure the final days of winter. She is a wellness coach who lives in Buena Vista. And she says some ways to calm the winter blues are so simple they can easily be done in your own home.
“Engage the senses - with tea making your favourite food - soups are excellent. Or have a bath with essential oil (peppermint for energy and lavender for relaxing). Listen to music or boil some water with herbs in it. It will make the house smell better and to get some moisture in the air, which helps your nervous system.”
Clea Hackl also advises getting off the couch and move. Putting on just five of your favourite songs and dancing at home will help with joint health. She says this type of movement stimulates the immune system and promotes heart health. But mostly it is easy to do.
Even though she considers herself a wellness coach, it is easy to categorize her as a fitness instructor as well. She teaches aquatic fitness as well as yoga, which is why it comes as no surprise that she advises both breath work and meditation and describes how to engage.
“Try nose breathing with the mouth closed. A simple mediation is to focus on your breath - as you breathe in and out, feel your body move with the breath. Expand and contract or count your inhale and exhale. Stay with your breath as much as you can as your mind or body takes over.” She says the health benefits of this simple activity helps to lower both the heart rate and blood pressure.
Finally, she says to try and get outside even if only for a few minutes. The air will refresh, which helps with immunity. However, the best advice Clea Hackl says is the easiest. If feeling cooped up and alone indoors, reach out to others. “Our relationships are so important. So connect with those who bring humour to your life and are inspiring. Even if you can’t see them in person, text or have a phone date and talk on the phone. Share emails or send a voice message. It is so good for overall health.”
And look forward to the future she says. Maybe start planting indoors now, even just a few pots of flowers or herbs. She calls it a plan for once the snow does begin to melt, saying it gives you something to look forward to while de-stressing for when spring finally arrives.
All good suggestions and in case you need a reminder, possibly a good idea to cut this article out and tape it to your fridge. Or leave it in a drawer.
By Carol Rose GoldenEagle
