6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Leave a CommentYou might notice that you are feeling a little more tired, a little less motivated, and overall a little “down.” You are not alone! This happens to many people every year as the cold creeps in. As the days shorten, people tend to come down with the “winter blues”. Here are 6 ways that you can beat them and enjoy the winter season.
1. Exercise
Find time to get a little bit of exercise in during your day. Exercising increases your heart rate which then tells your body to release endorphins. The endorphins make you feel more energized and happier overall. This will also increase your metabolism, as well.
2. Eat Healthy
Making sure you eat properly can help you feel better about yourself. You want to avoid foods that are high in fats and sugars. Gear your diet toward foods like whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, and fruit. They will give you the energy that you need and help you feel better nourished. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as well.
3. Be Social
It is important that you have a social network to reach out to during this time. Plan a get together with friends, attend a sports game, or choose another fun activity you can enjoy in a group. Being around other people can improve your mood and give you a little pick-me-up when you need it most.
4. Get Some Sunlight
One of the reasons that people feel sad in the winter time is because their Vitamin D levels drop. Try to find a time during the day when it is sunny and get some fresh air during that time. If it is too cold for you outside, there are light bulbs that you can put into your home that mimic the sun’s rays. Increasing the amount of Vitamin D will give you a boost and help you feel better.
5. Enjoy the Season
Use the winter weather to help keep you active. Winter provides many opportunities for activities that you cannot do all year round. Go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, or whatever else your heart desires. This is a perfect time to get out there and try that winter activity you’ve always wanted to try!
6. Relax
You have a very busy schedule – it is okay to take some time for yourself. Do not feel like you have to do everything at once. Set aside some time everyday to just relax. You can read a book or magazine, watch a movie, or even just take a short nap. Allowing your body and mind to recover from a stressful day can be a great way to increase your happiness during this time.
With these 6 tips, hopefully you are on your way to enjoying this time of year! Spring will be here before you know it.
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The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
