Gloom Be Gone Win the War Against Winter Woes
When we were younger, winter often meant days off from school and time to play in the snow. As adults, this time of year can lead to schedule disruptions, social isolation, perpetual bad mood, and unhealthy daily habits. If winter just isn’t as fun for you as it once was, these three tips may help you rise above the seasonal slowdown.
yourself to following the same sleep and eating schedules daily. Even if you feel stuck indoors watching movies or scrolling through your phone, try to limit or stop your screen time long before you go to bed. You may be surprised at how quickly these simple changes can help clear your
brain fog in the weeks leading up to spring. CULTIVATE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS.
Humans are social animals, which makes staying in touch with friends and loved ones especially critical in winter. Look into community events or groups that allow you to meet new people, and set time aside to connect with people close to you who live far away. Winter is a great time to use technology to its fullest, as it’s easy to converse with someone face-to-face via Zoom meetings or video chats. If you’re feeling shut off and lonely right now, a friend or family member is likely experiencing the same struggle. Reaching out may be the best thing you can do for yourself … and for them. SENSE WHEN TO SEEK SUPPORT. Although these aforementioned pointers can help most people find greater stability in a rough season, a malaise can still follow you no matter how hard you try to shake it. If you’re experiencing erratic mood swings, ongoing depression, decreased interest in things that typically bring you happiness, or considerable weight gain or loss, it may be time to seek a medical professional’s care to identify and treat an underlying physical issue or to consult a therapist for help in achieving greater mental clarity.
DON’T LET THE CLOCK COUNT YOU OUT. Does every hour after midafternoon feel like midnight to you during winter? The lack of sunlight can wreak havoc on your daily schedule, especially if you have some downtime during the holidays. If you’ve been feeling sluggish lately, it may be a sign your body needs a more consistent routine. Avoid late nights if you’re off from work, and commit
TAKE A BREAK
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Ingredients • 4 thick, boneless pork chops • 3 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning, divided • 1 tsp sea salt • 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/4 cup stone- ground mustard • 1/4 cup fresh honey • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Pat pork chops dry before seasoning them with salt and 1 1/2 tsp of garlic and herb seasoning. 3. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. 4. Sear pork chops in hot oil for 1–3 minutes on each side. 5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mustard, honey, and remaining garlic and herb seasoning while the pork cooks. 6. Remove pork chops from skillet. Add honey mustard mixture to the skillet and mix. 7. Place pork chops back in skillet and cover with sauce. 8. Place pan in oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until pork reaches 145 F. 9. Set oven to broil for the final minute to allow the tops to caramelize and enjoy!
Inspired by LoveFromTheOven.com
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