7 Surefire Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

"It’s the same thing every year. We hit February or March and start feeling a little blah, like we just need a break. Cooler temperatures and being stuck indoors have taken their toll on us and our attitudes tend to suffer as a result. If you’re like me, you may be experiencing lower energy levels, sluggishness, or even difficulty concentrating. This phenomenon seems to be universal and happens to many of the people that I know. You’ve probably experienced it too.

So, what can we do about it? Fight back. It’s up to you to develop a plan to put an end to those winter blues once and for all. Here are some surefire ways to get you out of that funk and improve your outlook until the warmer weather returns:

1. Grab some sunshine. Many of us feel down because we miss the sun. We’re inside more often, and can’t help but feel cooped up. That’s why it’s all the more important to get outside for a healthy dose of fresh air and Vitamin D.
2. Get your body moving. Fitness moves stagnant energy out of our bodies. Run, walk, skip, and exercise. If you’re feeling sluggish, a little extra movement can boost your energy levels and endorphins. Get your body shaking and try it.
3. Schedule time with friends. When the weather is colder, we tend to participate in fewer social activities. Make up for this deficit by reaching out to your friends to share a laugh or two. Go to that new restaurant, see a show, or organize a group hike! You need this time with your friends.
4. Do something you love. Nothing boosts your mood faster than engaging in an activity that you enjoy. Maybe that’s reading, painting, or playing the piano for you. I like pilates, getting outdoors and creative activities. Whatever makes your heart sing, find more time for it in the winter and lift yourself up as a result.
5. Take a vacation. If you feel like you just need to get away, then do it, even if it’s only for a daycation. You can travel near or far, it doesn’t matter. A change of scenery is often just the jolt you need to reset your mindset. Where will you wander?
6. Start making plans for the Spring. The good news about the winter blues is that they are only temporary. Spring will be here before you know it so why not start planning for it now and give yourself something to look forward to? What do you really want to do this Spring?
7. Treat yourself to some selfcare. When you’re feeling blue, lean into a little self-care and pamper yourself! Go to the spa, schedule a massage, or indulge in a long nap. Feed your mind, heart, soul and body. You deserve it."

*Winter blues are never easy and can leave us feeling down and depressed. More extreme versions of winter blues can be classified as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It can be hard to break out of the cycle that comes with SAD, but there are ways to combat it. Some of these are included in this great article, but I think it's important to remember that if you start to feel like you can't handle how you're feeling on your own, it's important to seek advice from a medical professional. When I struggle with SAD, I also like to use heat lamps that simulate sunlight and can help increase Vitamin D levels are lower in the wintertime. I hope this article was insightful! Do you struggle with the winter blues? What do you find helps you until springtime comes back?*

#WinterBlues #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #SAD

Please find the full article at Thrive Global.

If you liked this article, you may also like this one on seasonal depression.