When the days grow shorter and sunlight fades earlier, it can start to feel as though life has lost some of its color. Seasonal depression, often referred to as the winter blues, is a common experience that affects many people during the colder months. It feels as though the New York City sun sets earlier, and the darkness feels everlong. The good news is that there are easy ways to manage it and maintain your happiness. Here’s a guide to lifting your mood and bringing back your colors, even when the world outside feels a little gray.
Get Some Sunlight
Being able to feel the sunshine glow may be limited, but not impossible. Try getting outside during daylight hours is vital – from a cool morning walk before the world wakes up, to grabbing a quick coffee on the go. Bonus points if you take a friend with you! Take a minute to breathe in the fresh air, appreciate the fall foliage around you, and feel the sun hitting your skin. As little as 15 minutes a day can increase serotonin levels, making you feel happier throughout these cold months. Being outdoors restores the natural balance, so give yourself grace and step outside!
Stay Active
Move more, sit less. Any little movement boosts serotonin and endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood boosters. Any form of physical activity helps! From walking your dog, dancing around the house, or taking a hot pilates class, all movements can help keep you feeling upbeat. Staying active also keeps your mind sharp by improving focus and reducing stress. Regular movement strengthens both your body and your brain, creating a positive cycle of energy and overall well-being.
Fuel Your Body
At this time of year, it’s crucial to fuel up on delicious and nutritious foods that have added benefits for your mind and body. Foods high in omega-3s (healthy fats), vitamin D, and carbs can actually boost mood and energy. Try incorporating more salmon, eggs, leafy greens, or nuts into meals. And of course, everything comes with balance. It’s essential to fuel your body with some goodies too! Maybe you have a special cinnamon roll recipe or enjoy baking cookies for the holidays coming up. Have some fun baking! Sometimes happiness comes in the form of a sweet treat. Â
Socialize
It’s easy to give in to the idea of staying in and being cozy, which can be isolating. Plan something small with friends, like cooking dinner together, a game night, or a walk. Staying social helps break up the long winter weeks, gives you something to look forward to, and reminds you that you’re not going through the winter blues alone. Sharing laughs and experiences boosts your mood and keeps your spirits warm.
Try a New Hobby
The colder months can mean more time spent inside – but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Winter is the perfect time to be cozy and pick up a new hobby. Learning how to crochet, bake, scrapbook, or write, anything that sparks joy in your brain. Having a creative outlet helps shift focus away from gloomy thoughts and builds a sense of satisfaction.
New (or old) hobbies don’t necessarily mean staying indoors, though. Winter is the perfect time for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or sledding! These winter activities are not only exciting hobbies but also natural serotonin boosters; the combination of sunlight, physical activity, and fresh air helps lift mood and reduce stress. Hitting the slopes keeps both your body and mind energized, making winter feel a lot brighter!
Despite winter feeling a little gray, there are simple habits to help brighten your mood. Getting sunlight, staying active, eating nourishing foods, and spending time with friends and family all boost your natural mood and maintain happiness, especially throughout some darker months. Trying new hobbies, from cozy indoor crafts or invigorating winter sports, sparks joy and adds variety to the season. With a few simple changes, you can beat the winter blues and bring your color back!