Winter is here and now that the days are shorter and the nights are colder it's easy to feel down and a bit depressed - it's called the
Winter Blues. If you have low motivation and no energy, just don't feel like doing anything but lying on the sofa, snuggled up, watching TV you could be suffering but luckily there are some easy things to do that will help you out of this despair.
1. Exercise
Exercise can help you maintain your weight, keep fit and stay healthy, it can also help to relieve stress plus you will feel invigorated after you exercise. You'll have more energy and your metabolism still be elevated. Exercise also helps by releasing 'feel good chemicals' that will help your mood.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat can have an effect on your mood and energy. Try to eat healthy foods and drink lots of water during the day. Try to avoid too many processed foods and add more complex carbs to your diet. A healthy diet will help to keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable.
3. Get Some Sun
As we all know sunlight provides us with Vitamin D but it also helps to improve your mood. In winter we tend to spend less time outdoors so lack of sunshine can cause people to become depressed. Sunlight exposure releases things in the brain that affect your mood so try to spend a little time each day outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air.
4. Get Motivated
Motivation is what gets you going. Think of things you need to do or have been putting off and get working on them. You'll feel better for it and this will help your mood no end.
5. Avoid Too Much Alcohol
Staying in with a cold beer or a nice glass of wine may seem like a good idea during the winter months, but it can make you feel sick, depressed or tired. Alcohol works as a depressant and rather than improve your mood, it can make it worse so try to moderate your drinking as much as you can.
6. Treat Yourself
Winter can seem endless so try to plan something that you can look forward to. Maybe a weekend trip, a day at the spa, going out for dinner, a party, or a special event like a play, girls (or guys) night out, or sporting event. Treat yourself to something that will cheer you up, little treats work just as well as big ones.
7. Relax
Being busy with work, appointments, meetings, family and just the everyday things in life can make you feel frazzled and tired. Try to spend a few minutes every day doing something you like, reading a book or magazine, taking a nap, watching a TV show, catching up with someone you haven't seen for ages. A little break can leave you feeling refreshed and alleviate stress.
8. Learn to Love Winter
Instead of avoiding the cold weather - try to make the most of it. Take up a winter sport, stay active, do things that you just can't do in summer because it's too hot. Try to look at winter in a positive light with all the fun it has to offer and this will keep your spirits up.
9. Get Social
Socialise with people - family, friends, co-workers and neighbours – even if it's just a quick chat over a coffee. Have a good gossip, talk about your problems or even ask for help if you need it. Spending time with the people we love or just having a good natter can really boost your mood.
10. Get Lots of Sleep
People naturally want to sleep a little bit more during the winter months, but sometimes that is just not possible. Try to get a decent night's sleep, keep a regular bed time and get up at the same time each day if you can. Take a nap if possible, it can re-energise you during the day. Keeping regular sleep hours will help you feel more refreshed and you will have more energy.
So during the winter months try some of these suggestions and avoid the Winter Blues this year.
