Leadership Tip

How to beat the winter blues

The first couple of months of the year are the darkest and coldest and this can can impact your mood. Many of us are familiar with the saying “winter blues”, also known as winter depression or seasonal affective disorder [SAD] which is thought to affect one-in-15 people in the UK. Changes to your environment can help you feel upbeat during what can be a dark and depressing time of year and these small tweaks will help you feel better in body and mind.

  1. Get more exposure to sunlight. A brief walk at lunch time can be beneficial as is making your work environment as light and airy is possible.
     
  2. Try light therapy. This involves sitting by a special lamp called a light box, for around 30 minutes to an hour each morning.
     
  3. Be sure to stay active. Being outside doing exercise will boost your mood and will make you feel more connected to your surroundings.
     
  4. Eat well and swerve carbs. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats will give you more energy and prevent you from feeling sluggish.
     
  5. Stay connected. Your body releases feel-good chemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine when you feel connected to others and are engaged in positive interactions.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.


For more tips...
on leadership and management good practice, subscribe to a Minute with Montgomery on 10TV.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Unlock your potential

Whether face to face, or over the telephone, we can develop your leadership skills, support you in making important decisions, and help you reach your potential.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 weekend habits of purposeful leaders

The most impactful leaders know that success doesn’t come from working around the clock - it comes from working with intention. And that includes how we spend our weekends. While weekdays often revolve around performance, the weekend is a chance to reset... read more

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

Leadership Tips

How to manage a perfectionist

A perfectionist on your team can be both a gift and a drain. They raise standards by default, yet can stall progress by obsessing over minor details. The leadership challenge isn’t to change them, but to channel them. Perfectionists care about quality,... read more

How to make a critical trade-off

Most meaningful leadership decisions involve trade-offs. To do one thing well, you often have to give up something else. The best leaders don’t shy away from these moments — they navigate them with clarity. Next time you’re facing competing priorities,... read more

How to make goals work together

Balancing work and life often feels like a trade-off. But it doesn’t have to. Personal and professional goals can support each other if you connect them. Done well, this approach boosts motivation, eases anxiety, and helps you lead a more integrated life... read more