As the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler, you may notice a slight change in yourself. The winter blues, which can also be classified as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affect many people as the seasons begin to change. If you noticeably feel a change in yourself as winter approaches every year and feel a sudden decrease in energy, increase in appetite, lack of focus and basically the desire to stay in bed and hide from the world, you may be experiencing the winter blues. Here are several helpful tips that you can use to help thwart the moodiness that the winter season may bring.
Stay active – In general, it’s recommended that the average adult partakes in at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day. If you’re not so keen on hitting the gym, try throwing in a fitness DVD, dancing to your favorite music, cleaning your house, taking a walk, or whatever you like to do to get yourself moving! You can use the season to your advantage and get outside, sledding, snowboarding, skiing, or even building a snowman can be great to get yourself out of the house. Find a way to make your physical activity fun for you. Mix it up and try something new!
Eat healthy – Eating healthy means more than just gluten free. This is making sure you are eating enough of the right foods to keep your body happy. Adding in more whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, will help you feel great. Eat smart, starting with a good breakfast will increase your metabolism and give you more energy throughout your day.
Get enough rest – Getting sleep and getting GOOD sleep are two different things. If you have trouble sleeping, then plan ahead. Do some relaxing stretches, yoga, or meditation before bed to help relax your body and mind. You could also drink some warm tea, listen to soft music, or lay in bed quietly. Find what works for you. The important thing is for you to get some of that good, deep sleep that causes your body to feel rested and energized in the morning.
Use a happy light – Sometimes called a SAD light or natural spectrum light, the happy light helps give you the natural energy that you would normally get from the sunshine. Its best used in the morning to help wake you up before or during breakfast.
Join a club or group – Joining a new club or group will keep you from getting sucked into the antisocial part of the winter blues. Being around others and enjoying time socially will help with feeling lonely or secluded.
Take up a new hobby – Pick something you enjoy doing or try something new and commit time to it. Set aside an hour every day or so to do something just for you. It could be sewing, painting, drawing, writing, journaling, cooking, reading, learning a new instrument, anything that challenges you and makes you feel good.
Plan a vacation – A fantastic way to avoid the winter blues is to escape them! If possible, plan a trip to somewhere warm so that you’ll have something to look forward to while the cold is settling in.
Being aware is the first step to conquering the winter blues. These are merely suggestions to overcoming seasonal emotions, ask your doctor if you need more information for dealing with SAD or depression. As for feeling down, remember to take care of your body, take up a new hobby, or plan a vacation. Keep yourself moving this winter!
How do you stay active when its cold outside? Comment below to share your stories and tips!
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