Winter blues or also known as seasonal depression. Isn’t nice at all but unfortunately sometimes it happens to some of us but it is treatable. It is just about knowing what will help you which will vary from person to person. But keep reading to find out what you can do to combat those blue days and evenings.
1. Get moving
The first thing to help fight those winter blue moods is to get moving. This can be anything from a short walk to yoga to exercise classes. Although it is difficult sometimes to have the motivation to exercise in the colder months, moving about will definitely boost your mood and keep you fit and healthy at the same time. Along with exercise, making sure you intake good nutrition will improve your mood. Sticking to eating fatty fish, whole grains, lean protein, leafy greens and yogurt with active cultures can benefit to good mental well-being.
2. Be kind to yourself
It’s so easy to get overwhelmed in the colder months when there genuinely seems to be a lot more going on and things get hectic in the run up to the festive season. But, remember to be kind to yourself. It’s okay to have bad days or bad weeks, and it’s definitely okay to feel like the change in weather and darker days impacts your mood. We recommend treating yourself where possible – it doesn’t have to be a huge, expensive treat or anything that breaks the bank but a bunch of flowers from your local flower market or a new cardigan to stay warm during the cold evenings… why not? You deserve it.
3. Let in as much sunshine as you can
If you suffer from winter blues, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the natural light and get out in the sunshine as much as possible. Whether you go on a short walk around your neighbourhood or a trip to the local shop, you will still be increasing the amount of sunshine and vitamin D for your body. If you can’t get out, be sure to open the curtains or put the blinds up. Being in bright surroundings when possible will help beat the blues.
4. Try vitamin D supplements
Vitamin D supplements can be very beneficial to those that do not get out in the sunshine a lot or struggle with season affective disorder. Vitamin D supplements work by increasing the levels of monoamines which have been linked to improve depression.
5. Aromatherapy
Another suggestion that can help is to try using aromatherapy. Oils such as lemon, peppermint, rosemary, bergamot and ylang ylang. These oils can be used in many ways such as; in baths, on a handkerchief, for massages or even just sprayed around your home or in a oil diffuser. Lavender oil can also help induce a restful nights sleep.
6. Plan things and keep to a routine
Planning exciting events in the winter months can be really beneficial, especially if you are dreading the thought of dark morning and evenings. Moreover, sticking to a good routine has been shown to help maintain sleep problems and decrease depressive symptoms.
6. Talk to someone
Talking to someone through a tough time can be difficult. But letting others know how you feel or just being around people in general will impact on your mental well-being. We are social animals and need social interaction in our every day lives. In another one of my articles, I have discussed how opening up to others can be really helpful. Click here to read.
