🕯️SIMPLE SLOW LIVING SELF-CARE | Cozy Ways To Help Winter Depression

Big Hugs & Bye For Now,
-Lindsay Dianne

P.S. Immune Boosting Drink: Alternate layers of organic lemon, honey, & ginger in a jar and refrigerate overnight for a healthy spoonful infusion.

{FAQ}
★About: We are slow living storytellers that embrace a vintage fairytale lifestyle and live next to a cemetery in a cozy cottage in the Sleepy Hollow countryside of NY. Lindsay is a stylist from CA and Jonas is an artist from Sweden.
★Social Media: @itsacharminglife @thewoodlandlibrary

[itsacharminglife]

Dearies, I'm a wee bit nervous to share this video but I finally feel strong enough to open up about my journey with winter depression. I'm not trying to give or seeking any advice, but I really had it on my heart to share some of my story (as much as I'm comfortable with of course) in hopes of giving any measure of comfort to another through my journey. I'd love to hear how you practice self-care? Big warm hugs! -Lindsay Dianne ❤️

[deemarie]

My son and his girlfriend were visiting and as it got to that time of day when you need to turn on a light I opted for a few candles. As I was doing that his girlfriend said “it’s cozy time” she grabbed a blanket sat on the couch and continued her days work on her computer. From that day on I found myself no longer dreading the early darkness but instead I now look forward to “cozy time”. Thank you Kait.

[dianehall]

Lindsay- This coming 🍁 Autumn air will soon turn to a chilling damp.
I'll listen for the sound of the first snow ❄❄❄❄ hitting those fallen leaves, like dry sand upon their rusted colors. So beautiful, it catches my soul by surprise! How could I forget this event? But like you, as the daylight begins to fade in the late afternoon, I have to catch myself. I have to be mindful and grateful and pull my woodland cottage around me. Not to hybernate, but to celebrate. I trade the electronics for a paint brush and pen, saving treasured books for any sleepless nights. I cannot live anywhere except the New Hampshire woods and the farm. It has taken me years to reconcile with winter but we have come to an understanding ~ Diane

[lindseychalkley]

As a lifelong sufferer of depression and anxiety, I applaud you for making this video. The world doesn’t seem so dark when you know there are lots of other people going through the same as you. Thank you for being so brave and for helping all of us that suffer like yourself ❤️🙏🏻 love from 🇬🇧 U.K. Lindsey x Stay Safe❤️🙏🏻 everyone

[melanielester]

This was lovely, very honest and helpful. I am a secretary (in the UK) and have been working from home since March 19th last year due to the pandemic. I am an empty nester, my sons both live in other parts of the country, and I have struggled with being at home 7 days a week. I miss that home/work divide. However, I do go for walks, I light my lamps and /or candles, light the log burner, get cozy and read my book. The simple things are usually the best for lifting the spirits. Thank you for sharing your story, wishing you well. X

[kelsey_irene]

I believe your vulnerability and transparency in this video will help so many others see they’re not alone. So proud of you ❤️

[sandywhite]

I miss my old Town. No matter the temp or season would go for walks . Anywhere, just listen to the wind or birds. I lived up the road from a lake day or light before the night go sit and list to the waves. I miss it so much. I'm glad you shared your story. Hugs

[Helenemonblogdefille]

Dear Lindsey, I have the feeling that seasonal affective disorder is even worse this year because of the pandemic. Thanks a lot for making this video. I wish you all the best, we are here with you !

[catherinehezelgrave]

You so very beautiful human thank you I'm a 63 year old woman I've buried 2 sons on 2 and the other 26 in Iraq then sadly I found my mother had hanged herself but dear god 9m still here and I'm surviving god bless you and your wonderful words you have helped me so much as I don't want to be here much love Catherine

[grlpeterson]

Over the last three years, I've learned much about my anxiety and meditating is the ultimate fix in my case. This doesn't have to include a lotus position. It merely has to be time to close your eyes, go inside and study ourselves. Being able to find myself in this way has led me to the point that I can create an all-encompassing sense of ecstacy on demand. My eyes upon the world change to see the smallest beauties and a sense of God's love fills my heart. From there your whole day is different if you keep that sense with you. And meditating can help your body feel as though it's had 6-8 hours of sleep in just a half hour of non-activity. It's truly amazing.

[jenniferwilliams]

Well done. This is such an important topic for so many (especially women.) I have struggled with periods of depression off and on in my life, and it is so nice to hear other people talk about their experiences, especially when it mirrors my own. Self-care is very important but I think too often women feel bad about looking after themselves. It is something we need to practice and make it a habit. Thank you for sharing!

[maryg.]

I agree with what you said about having a plan for the day and to have something to look forward to. An idea for others; write notes to the elderly in care facilities. They are so isolated right. We have a small care center in our small town. Each month I send each one a hand written note or homemade card. Do what suits you, but do give it a try. They must be so lonely right now. Take care and thank you for sharing. There’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Mary

[mrfellows]

Dear Lindsey, I suffer with depression myself and am on medication for it. Wintertime is especially hard for me as well. However, for as depressed as I get in the winter....I just love snow. For me, watching the birds in the snow and hearing them "talking to each other" by their little tweets somehow comforts me. The snow is almost magical to me. I live in upstate South Carolina so my winters are nothing like yours....but nonetheless I struggle. Covid has also thrown a curve in our everyday life. I tend to worry (not obsessively) every time I go out for fear that I will carry something back home to my elderly mother or to my husband. But, having to be at home has also made me learn to take better care of myself. I have lost 77 pounds by simply taking walks out in the woods. I've gotten closer to my Lord and to my husband. So all isn't so bad. Depression MADE me take action in all aspects of my life and I am grateful for the strides I've made. I enjoy your videos and nature shots and has made me remember to enjoy the nature around me more. Thanks so much and you hang in there. :)

[christinaheesakacowden-wut]

Thank you for sharing! It really helps others out there. I have recently found out, that I am a highly sensitive person and sometimes do get anxiety attacs as well. When I used to feel that way before, not knowing about the condition, I felt helpless and I was scared. But when I found out, that I wasn`t alone, and that there were others out there with the same condition and uniquness, I felt so relieved. I wasn`t crazy or something, oh no, this was a "real thing". Now that I knew about "it", I could do something about "it", work with "it" and not be such a victim anymore. Now, beeing aware of "it", I could manage the feelings/attacs and for some strange reason, just like you said as well, the condition became a friend, a guide to my life, who would steer me in the right path and tell me, when I was off.
I love the ginger-lemon-honey remedy you showed on this video. I am inspired to make myself this kind of honey myself.
Huggs from Rose Cottage, Schurwald Forrest, Germany.
P.S.

[johnfollis]

I just discovered (and watched) this. And, though it was one of your most difficult to make (as you said), I think it's one of your best. Judging from the many positive comments it seems I'm not alone in thinking that. Because while I have enjoyed your other videos it's videos like this -- that are less "charming" and more real life -- that interest and touch me on a deeper level. It also helps satisfy my curiosity about who you are beyond the charming but clearly fairytale persona you present in the majority of your videos. So, thanks for getting more real with this one.

[scpmdt]

Thank you Lindsay so much for sharing with us your very own problems. They resonate with a lot of your following & bring comfort & joy that we are not alone & feel so loved. You & Jonas are such beautiful souls. May you both have all the happiness & peace throughout your lives. ❤️

[KristynLorraine]

"Silver white winters that melt into spring." I try to indulge in the "silver white" beauty of winter, with special decor, candles, baking, etc. There is always a let down after Christmas. I decorate a bit for St. Valentine's day, too. Then when Lent begins we change the decor and rhythm (we are Catholic) of the week. Then comes Spring and Easter and the hope of Summer! All of this requires planning, keeping my eye open at the thrift store, writing out menus, etc. I think it is having something to look forward to makes a huge difference for me. Though I have lived with the four distinct seasons of Michigan all my life, I learned to do these things when all six of my kids were young and we were very isolated out in the country. But something good came of that, too, because I got to know myself more and learned to celebrate the everyday with my kids. My youngest is 12 now and my eldest two are moved away, but all my little traditions are woven into our life. I won't say "I never get depressed, I have it all figured out!" because it's just not true. But I can sit with a notebook and plan for a holiday. ❣I also try to think about the fact that I get to enjoy all these seasons and climates for free without traveling!

[crowfaerymori]

I have anxiety and depression, learning more about slower living is definitely inspiring.

[maryegerton]

I have been struggling with depression for the last few months. The province is in lockdown until the middle of February or possibly even longer. That makes it six weeks so far. I haven’t seen my family for a long time and I live alone. There is a lot of snow here 🇨🇦as well and it can be dark and gloomy for days on end. Today it was sunny and beautiful out so I went out and shovelled the driveway and chipped off my car. It was minus 17 out and no wind, so it was quite delightful. It is amazing how right you are about getting out and being in a different setting. It can get pretty lonely but there is always tea. Love and light to everyone out there. ❤️🕯🫖 And thankyou for being there for us

[ErAnnMamai]

I agree with you! Reaching out to a friend with a note or walk together is a little path to happiness!