It has been a tough winter and spring here in the south

2 minutes ago

2 min read

It has been a long, cold, tough winter and spring and I’m feeling like I’m in a bit of a funk. You know that feeling when you’re just not yourself. Something feels off and you can’t pinpoint it. I do think a big part of it has been the terrible spring we have had. We are sheep farmers and our lambing started in early September, and it has been heart breaking to watch the weathers impact. I won’t go into details but the weather and the effect it has had, has been enough for us to decide that it’s our last lambing. We will change our farming practices so that the weather doesn’t have quite the same impact.

So, what else can you do if you’re feeling in a funk? How do you shake yourself out of it?

1) First and foremost, if you think how you're feeling is bigger than a simple “funk”, please go and see your doctor. Don’t be whakama (embarrassed or shy). Your mental well-being is paramount.

2) Stay hydrated – herbal teas are great if it is too cold to drink your usual amounts of water.

3) Get as much sunshine as you can. Vitamin D helps support brain and mood health. Your arms, legs and belly are all wonderful areas for Vitamin D absorption.

4) Exercise – exercise triggers feel good brain chemicals, helps us stay in the moment and lowers stress hormones.

5) Take a course, join a club or challenge yourself to do something new. It might even be a simple as a makeup tutorial on YouTube. I have joined a local Toastmasters, and my first lunchtime meeting is this Wednesday.

6) Dress up just for the sake of it. Wear those good clothes, perfume, shoes and jewellery. Tonight, I am going to an event, and I “feel” like I should dress in a certain way, but I decided f**k it. I’m getting dressed up and I am not conforming to what may be expected of me. I need to feel fabulous today.

7) Go and touch fabric – shop with no brief, just enjoy the colours and fabrics that are coming into the stores for spring.

8) Get creative – write, draw, paint, knit, crochet, create a collage or mood board – just for you. Not for anyone else. Pinterest is a fabulous site to find inspiration and create boards. Don’t make or create with a purpose, the only brief is to be in the moment.

9) Dance, sing, play inspiring music.

10) Connect – phone a friend, send a message to someone you love and let them know what they mean to you.

11) Pamper yourself - paint your toenails, take a long bath, apply a hair mask - do something that you love when it comes to self-care.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. Simply things that have come to mind as I am writing this and things that I love doing. Create your own wee list, do one thing from it each day and let me know how you’re feeling at the end of it.

I am already feeling better. I do love writing; it's a therapeutic way for me to process my thoughts and feelings.

Take care, aroha nui

Kim