The winter blues might not have hit you yet, but chances are that after the holiday season, many of us will start to feel down with nothing to look forward to. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people each year, so if you tend to experience symptoms during the winter season, you are not alone. Why not prepare yourself well before the post-holiday season hits? Here are some tips to help you feel your best this upcoming winter season.
Exercise
As hard as it is to get out to the gym in the winter weather, maintaining exercise is extremely important. It boosts your metabolism and releases endorphins through your body, which help to improve your mood. Regular exercise will only lead to a happier and more positive winter experience.
Get Some Sun
Sun exposure is something that we tend to lack during the long winter months as we are covered head-to-toe in snow gear. Studies have shown that lack of Vitamin D can be a cause for depression. By turning your face to the sun for about fifteen minutes per day, or by taking Vitamin D pills regularly in the winter, you will help boost your mood (and you also benefit physically).
Eat Healthy
Just like exercising, it is important to maintain good eating habits during the long winter months. For those that do not exercise as much in the winter, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet not just to make up for lack of exercise, but also to stay healthy and happy.
Socialize
Another great mood-booster is socializing; plan a party, go on a coffee date, and get together with friends on a regular basis. Socializing and bonding with your friends is sure to get your mind off of feeling down and will distract you from the cold, even if only temporarily.
Keep Warm
Nothing will lower your mood in the winter more than catching a bad cold or the flu. These are very common illnesses during the winter season, so it is important to bundle up so as not to weaken your immune system. Also, it is important to get that yearly flu shot to reduce your chances of illness.
Find a New Hobby
Just because it’s cold and depressing outside, there are still many positives about winter. Try finding a new hobby to keep you distracted for the next couple of months, like skiing or snowboarding. Your new hobby doesn’t have to involve the cold either; take up an indoor hobby if you really don’t want to embrace the cold.
Act on Your New Year’s Resolutions
By accomplishing or slowly working towards the goal you made for yourself on New Year’s, this will not only make you feel better about yourself, but it will keep you distracted from feeling down. If you haven’t already made a resolution, do so! Make a goal for yourself that is completely realistic and attainable.
However down you may be feeling, just remember that winter is only temporary – once the weather warms up and the sun is shining again. you will feel back to normal. Keep these seven tips in mind throughout the duration of winter to improve your mind and your body. After all, there may not be many, but there are at least a few perks to the winter season!