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It seems like January has been two months long. The cold weather and the gloomy skies, make it feel like spring will never get here. But we
Make Your Environment Brighter
Do what you can to get as much natural light into your house or apartment as possible. Keep your blinds and curtains totally open during the day. Use bright colors on your walls and light-colored upholstery. Also, mirrors will help reflect the light you do have.
Eat Healthier Foods
Make sure to choose healthy options that are high in vitamins. Skip the foods that leave you feeling lethargic and tired. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids (mostly water) too.
Related reading: simple swaps, making healthy choices
Get Some Exercise
We’ve talked at length about how exercise is a great mood booster. Don’t want to go out for a run? Exercise inside. There are tons of options, even free ones.
Related reading: how to be more active
Have A Set Sleep Schedule
Sleeping in for a little bit on occasion is nice and can help you feel more rested. However, if you stay up all night or sleep all day, your body’s rhythm will get out of whack. Sleeping too much or not enough can both make you feel sluggish, which won’t help with the winter blues.
Related reading: hacks for better sleep, morning routine
Go Outside In The Morning
Spending time outside can do wonders for your attitude even if it is just for a little bit. Bonus points if you can go outside within the first couple of hours of waking up.
My favorite sunscreen: for the kiddos and me
Get A SAD Lamp
If 10 or so minutes outside early in the morning just isn’t happening for you, consider picking up a SAD lamp or a light therapy lamp. Please know that there is some debate on the effectiveness of light therapy. Also if you are on medication for mental health issues like depression or anxiety, you would want to consult your doctor first.
My favorite: budget SAD light, fancy light therapy alarm clock
Take A Vitamin D Supplement
Sunlight helps you feel better and sunlight helps with Vitamin D production. Though not a direct relationship, there is some evidence of correlation. If you lack sun exposure, you may not be producing enough Vitamin D. You can easily fix this by taking a supplement.
I buy this combo of vitamins.
Stay Social
Winter can be sad and boring because of the weather. But don’t let the depressing clouds, cold, snow or rain keep you from having fun. Social interaction with others will help you keep those sad, blue feelings away.
For Winter Blues That Don’t Go Away -> Consult With A Doctor
If you find you just can’t shake the winter blues or feel like you might be suffering from depression, please consult a medical professional. There is nothing wrong with getting help. You may need to start therapy, go on antidepressants, or you could have other health issues.
I hope you found this post helpful for beating the winter blues. If you have any other tips, please feel free to leave a comment. Also, I’d really love it if you would share this post with your friends and family.
Great timing for this list! My toddler and I have gotten so stir-crazy this week due to the “Polar Vortex” (which sounds like a comic book villain). It has been hard to keep him on his usual sleep schedule, I think because of the lack of sunlight. I have been considering Vitamin D or an SAD lamp.
These are great tips! We have been trying to add a little more exersize into our weeks as it does make a huge difference in how we feel.
have the philips alarm clock and weighted blanket. both are life savers!
Kasey Ma
TheStyleWright.com
Exercise always helps me when I am down! When the polar vortex came through, I made sure to add a bit more to my workouts so that I wouldn’t get so down!
great tips and dancing as exercise always helps me 🙂