12/13/2025
It turns out, I was wrong! I have heard it said that it is ok to talk to yourself as long as you don't answer yourself. That is the wrong part. Read on if you are interested in more thoughts about self-care if you live alone.
Self-care tips to help overcome "wintertime blues" (seasonal affect disorder), especially if you live alone:
1. Get out of bed and start moving. Walking from your bed to your chair (even if it is painful) activates the "will power" part of your brain (anterior cingulate cortex). Get up at least every two hours and move a little bit. Don't let your brain convince you to stay motionless. Your mind tells your brain what to do.
2. PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE! Even if it is forced. Your brain uses dopamine, seratonin, endorphins, and oxytocin when you smile. Your brain doesn't know or care if it is forced. The same result occurs.
3. Avoid screens such as scrolling social media or television for 30 minutes when you first wake up.
4. Do focused deep breathing. Inhale through your nose slowly to the count of 4. Exhale slowly through your lips to the count of 6. With that rhythm, include scripture thoughts. While breathing in think "the Lord is my shepherd." While exhaling think, "I shall not want." Do this for a minimum of 3 minutes. Try to build to 10 minutes
5. Water before caffeine. Drink at least 8 oz of water before drinking coffee.
6. Focus on chewing as you eat breakfast. Try to chew each bite a minimum of 15 - 20 times. This releases mood enhancing neurotransmitters (dopamine, seratonin).
7. Talk to yourself aloud and answer back. Neuroscience has proven that engagement in conversation aloud strengthens your brain and increases mood. Example: "Why did I come in here?" "Oh, I came in here to get my ...." Literally say that out loud.
8. Read out loud (for those who live alone). Hum or sing aloud your favorite song. The vibrations from your vocal chords stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system (the part that reduces stress and increases mood).
9). If you are a believer, spend some time in God's word and prayer.
10). Write down at least three things you are grateful for today (even if you don't FEEL grateful). The scripture tells us to BE grateful. It doesn’t say FEEL grateful. 🙂
You are valued and loved. Don't let your thoughts convince you otherwise!
