How to Overcome the Winter Blues 

How to Overcome the Winter Blues 

You reluctantly roll out of bed. With no sign of natural light, you feel the brisk cold hit your dry skin as you remove your covers. As you slowly move around and begin to get ready for your day, you can’t help but feel as though you’re functioning at half capacity. You have a case of the winter blues, and you have it bad. Along with cold weather, winter means shorter days, less exposure to sun, more time spent indoors, and feelings of fatigue. With all components that make up the season, many suffer from seasonal affective disorder, depression, and of course those notorious winter blues. Although all of this may sound terrible, there are in fact plenty of ways to avoid the downsides of winter and make the most out of the season. So, if you’re looking to combat those pesky winter blues, here’s a few tips that will help make winter more bearable:

Let in Natural Light

Given the time of year, the days are shorter which means less exposure to sunlight. Lack of sunlight can lead to feelings of fatigue, and can contribute to seasonal affective disorder. To combat this, be sure to leave your curtains open to let in natural light in the morning, or be sure whichever curtains you use aren’t blackout. If you’re finding that your space doesn’t allow any form of natural light to come in, investing in a light box would be a smart decision. A light box mimics natural light, and hence will make you feel more awake and improve your mood. A little extra light in the darker season can go a long way.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep in the winter is absolutely key to keeping your spirits high. Be sure you have the right mattress that will give you the best quality of sleep, pillows that will properly cradle your head, and bedding that will keep you warm throughout the frigid nights. It’s important to not only get the required 7 hours of sleep a night, but to also be getting quality sleep to ensure you can wake up the next morning feeling refreshed.

Take Care of Your Skin

Unfortunately, winter weather not only ushers in low temperatures, but also higher winds and drier climate. Without the sun giving you that needed vitamin D, and your skin beginning to feel like it might crack off, stepping up your skincare routine is a must. To look and feel your best in the winter, it’s important to take care of your skin and ensure it’s being properly moisturized. Investing in a few new products can really help your skin win the battle against winter’s conditions.

Eat Smarter and Exercise

We all know that eating healthy and exercising contributes to overall better health, but given the winter conditions, it becomes even more important. Research has found that diet is directly linked to mental health. So to combat signs of depression in the winter, sticking to vegetables, fruits and proteins is important. On top of this, regular exercise also improves mental health and mood. The combination of eating healthy and exercising will give you that extra needed spring in your step during the cold winter days.

Cut Down On Screen Time

The cold weather of the winter season definitely prompts staying indoors more often, which may inevitability prompt more time spent staring at screens. Whether it be your television, phone, tablet, or laptop, research has found that spending too much time in front of any screen diminishes your mood and increases fatigue. Save yourself from poor mood and extra fatigue, and put away the screens!

Surround Yourself With Good People

Lastly, as important as it is to be taking care of yourself, it’s always crucial to be surrounding yourself with those who love and support you. Be sure to make time to meet with friends and family who bring out the best in you, and who can put you in a better mood if needed. Winter blues can be a real drag, but never let them get the best of you! Follow these tips, and we promise you’ll be enjoying the rest of the season, instead of dreading it.
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