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Dec 2024
34m 42s

Tips to stay Happy during Dark Months

Dr Jodi Aman and Lily Aman
About this episode

Dr. Jodi Aman is joined by comedian Julia Leahy from @morepestoplease on YT and TikTok to discuss how to beat the winter blues, especially for those facing colder months in the city. The two discuss the struggles of staying motivated when days get shorter and colder and explore practical tips for keeping spirits high—like creating cozy spaces, sticking to routines, and finding joy in social connections and indoor activities. From maintaining a positive mindset to bundling up and taking walks, Jodi and Julia share relatable insights to help you thrive through winter.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Jodi and Julia Leahy discuss the common feelings of isolation and decreased motivation many face during winter. They cover how colder weather, shorter days, and city life in places like New York can amplify the winter blues. Julia shares her experiences as a content creator and offers light-hearted tips like building cozy, inviting spaces and the joys of crafting and decorating. The two explore ways to counteract winter struggles, such as keeping routines, joining exercise classes, and nurturing social connections, even through small outings or coffee breaks. Dr. Jodi highlights the benefits of maintaining a supportive environment, practicing self-compassion, and using creativity as a tool to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. From managing daily routines to staying mentally energized, this episode is packed with relatable advice on managing seasonal challenges.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

  1. Create a Winter Routine:Stick to a daily schedule that includes a walk, a warm-up ritual, or a consistent exercise class to help your body and mind adjust to the colder season.
  2. Build a Cozy Sanctuary:Make your space inviting with warm lighting, frequent tidying, and small comforts like soft blankets or scented candles.
  3. Engage in Social Activities:Combat isolation by joining classes or spending time with friends, even if it’s a small coffee shop outing.
  4. Stay Active in Crafting or Learning:Take up hobbies like crafting, reading, or even a part-time gig to keep your mind engaged and spirits lifted.
  5. Bundle Up and Go Outside:Embrace the cold by dressing warmly. Taking a short walk outside, even during chilly days, can energize your body and mind.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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About Dr. Jodi: 

Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

 

You can find hundreds of self-help videos on YouTube @doctorjodi. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi.

 

Ask Dr. Jodi Live

Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi, where you get trauma-informed mental health and relationship advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Advice that helps you breathe a sigh of relief.


You’ll discover that your brain is not broken. That….  Whatever you are feeling is understandable. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. But that doesn’t mean you are destined to stay like this. You can get better. And I’m here to help.

 

We cover topics that you and those you love are dealing with every day, helping you understand the problem, yourself, and other people so you have the information you need to heal, shift beliefs, get relief, set strong limits, let go, or act in a way that helps you and those you love FEEL BETTER.

 

I’m your host, Dr. Jodi. I've worked for 28 years as a psychotherapist, so I've seen and understood the nuances of human behavior and relationships from a rare perspective inside people’s minds and emotions. Together, we’ll discover how you are much  more  amazing than you think you are, build your confidence, and accelerate your healing journey.

 

We livestream this show on YT every Monday at 8 PM E, @doctrojodi, so follow me there so you can participate in the conversation. We do live coaching on air, and you can get personalized advice for your situation. You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, gain practical tips, and hear from relatable guests who will show you how to get rid of worry, strengthen your emotional bandwidth, and create a happy, purposeful life.

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