The winter blues can be tricky to navigate. Winter is here and although the holidays are an incredibly warm and happy time to be spending with your family and friends, it can get difficult for some. Whether it triggers certain past memories, or you simply struggle with the gloomy, grey days, there’s ways around it to lift up your mood!
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), otherwise known as the winter blues, is a form of depression that is seasonal. It begins late fall and begins to get better as the weather brightens up and wintertime begins to leave us.
Here are a few things you can do so you can feel like yourself again:
Go Outside
This may seem counteractive, but actually spending time in nature and going for a walk can have immense benefits on your stress levels, help you clear your mind, and it can even be a meditative experience. Nature doesn’t judge, it simply is in the present moment.
Eat to Nourish
Make sure you are treating yourself well by eating healthy food and nourishing your body. When you eat nutrient-dense food, your body rewards you with a better mood. In addition, chocolate (steer towards dark chocolate) is also an incredible mood enhancer and can help to lighten anxiety!
Exercise
During the winter, exercising is probably the last thing on your mind, but the endorphins that are released post-workout are incredible for increasing your mood. Exercising in a well-lit room or under bright light can also be very beneficial in helping to boost your mood.
Listen to Music & Dance
Turning on your favourite happy tunes when you’re doing even the most mundane and boring of tasks can greatly improve how you feel and move those winter blues to the side! Turn the volume up and dance! Dancing is actually an incredible way to trick your body into happiness. Getting your body moving is not only energizing, but helps to put you in a cheerful mind state.
Take Time for Self Care
Taking the time for self care is crucial in truly making a difference in how you feel. Whether it is getting your nails done, having a fresh haircut or lighting some candles and having a bath, doing your favourite things makes a world of a difference. Take time to really be present when you experience these things. When you look great, you feel great!
Help Those in Need
Taking the focus away from yourself and helping others can make you feel a sense of peace and accomplishment. The satisfaction of helping those in need is always greater than that of allowing yourself to isolate and slip away into winter blues.
Remember, taking time out to make yourself feel happy and loved is the first step in making sure you can provide the same to those around you. Contact me if you feel like you need professional guidance and life coaching.
