Beat the Blues

10 Cool Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs

It’s winter. The days are shorter and the nights are colder. You’re tempted to curl up with your favorite blanket and hibernate until the weather breaks. But wait, there are lots of ways to get through those gloomy days and have fun doing it!

Exercise

Winter is a great time to start exercising! Not only will you get rid of those extra pounds that may have crept on over the holidays, but you’ll also relieve some stress. The effects of a good workout last several hours after you’ve hit the showers. You’ll have more energy throughout the day and your metabolism will stay elevated. Exercise also helps your mind by releasing those “feel good chemicals” that improve your mood.

Eat a Healthy Diet

What and when you eat greatly affects your mood and energy. Try to avoid refined and processed foods like white breads, rice and sugar. These foods don’t contain the nutrients your body craves and they can zap your energy and affect your mood! Try to drink 8 glasses of water daily and eat more complex carbohydrates like whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies and fruits. Healthy foods such as these provide your body with essential nutrients and stabilize your blood sugar and energy levels. Check out New Year. New You! for more >

Get Some Sun

Did you know that sunlight improves your mood along with providing Vitamin D? Because of the cold weather winter brings, many of us tend to spend most of our time indoors. You may not know it, but the lack of sunshine can cause people to become depressed! Like exercise, exposure to sunlight releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. If possible, try to spend more time outdoors. Open the drapes and pull up the shades in your home or office. Sit near windows during classes or dining out. Try changing the light bulbs in your house to “full spectrum” bulbs. They mimic natural light and have the same effect on your mind as the real thing.

Act on Your Resolutions

The CDC released a study showing a strong link between healthy behaviors and depression. Men and women, who exhibited healthy behaviors such as not smoking and exercising, had fewer depressed days than those who had less healthy behaviors.

Treat Yourself

Winter seems never ending, so have something to look forward to. If you plan something exciting, your mood will improve because you are anticipating the event. A weekend trip, a day at the spa, a party or a special event like a play, girls or guys night out or a sporting event – the possibilities are endless!

Relax

Even with our best intentions, we become overscheduled. Work, class, family, friends, appointments, meetings – they all pile up. So don’t be afraid to say “No” to extra commitments. Try to schedule a few minutes each day to do nothing! Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early or take a yoga class.

Embrace the Season

Instead of avoiding the cold and snow, look for the best that it has to offer! Try a winter sport like skiing, snowboarding or hockey. Go sledding and make hot cocoa. Bundle up and take a walk when it’s snowing. Enjoy these opportunities while they last, after all, they’re only here a few months a year.

Be Social

Never underestimate the power of friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee or a nice email can lift your spirits.

Catch Some Zzzz’s

It’s natural to want to sleep a little more during the winter. But with our busy lives, sleep is too often sacrificed. Aim for 7-8 hours each night and try to keep your bedtime and waking time the same. That way, your sleep patterns will remain consistent and you’ll have more energy. Try not to oversleep – those 12 hour snoozes can actually make you more tired. And don’t forget naps! A short (10-30 minute) afternoon nap may be all you need to re-energize midday .

Shake Things Up

There’s no time like the present, so try something new. Go to your recreational center to swim, take a class or walk on the track. Check out the local attractions such as art and science museums, libraries or conservatories. Volunteer at a shelter or soup kitchen. Collect winter coats from family and friends to donate, or get involved with a charity near and dear to your heart.

When you incorporate any or all of these feel-good activities into your daily life, you’ll be amazed by the healthier, happier you!