10 Tips To Beat The Winter Blues

It’s winter- and while this time of year does bring around the holiday cheer, it can also be a difficult time for many people. Whether this time of year is more stressful or sad for you than it is for others, or simply because of the impact the dreary weather has on you, we have some tips for beating the “winter blues”…

1. Vitamin D3
   a. Due to its effects on hormones in the body, it’s thought to affect your mood by improving your sense of well-being.
   b. Vitamin D can be highly effective in high doses (1000-5000 IU) for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
   c. Vitamin D levels can be checked by a simple blood test– speak with your doctor to get tested before adding any new supplement to your diet.
   * Be sure to purchase high-quality, third-party tested supplements to ensure quality.
2. Use light therapy or a sunlamp
   a. As little as 15 minutes of light therapy can help treat the cause of SAD – lack of light – without any side effects.
3. Take time to rest and hibernate
   a. Go to bed early
   b. Say ‘No’  to too many activities and doing things you don’t want to
   c. Make yourself happy first, not other people.
4. Eat warm and warming foods
   a. Soups, stews, curries, etc.
   b. Hot tea, or coffee in the morning
   c. Warm lemon and ginger water
5. Go outside to get sun (when available) and fresh air!
   a. You could try ice skating, going for walks, skiing, sledding, etc.
   b. If going outside isn’t an option, stand in front of a window for 10-20 minutes to bask in and absorb the natural light.
6. Find some friends to get together with for a laugh
   a. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, trigger endorphins, boost your energy, diminish pain, and even protect you from the damaging effects of stress!
   b. Laughing with others is more powerful than laughing alone.
   c. Try watching a comedy special, or venture out to watch improv or a stand-up comedy in your town!
7. Hot tubs
   a. They’re great for stimulating blood flow and helping you relax
8. Movement every day that gets you sweaty
   a. Dancing, cardio, indoor/outdoor cycling, running
   b. Yoga/hot yoga, interval training
9. Get some great-looking, vibrant colored, well-fitted winter clothes
   a. The bright colors can lighten your mood and energy
   b. Wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel good versus dumpy can boost your self-image and mood.
10. Take up a new hobby or learn something new
    a. Singing, knitting, keeping a journal, writing a blog, cooking, painting – try anything!
    b. The important thing is that you have something to look forward to and concentrate on.

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