Got the "Winter Blues"? Here's how to get out of that seasonal slump.
It is starting to finally feel like Winter in Georgia. The holidays are over, the days are shorter, and the cold temperatures
have finally arrived. During the winter months many people experience a lack of motivation, low energy, and mild depression. This trend has inspired the term “winter blues”, and it can bring even the best of us down. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to combat the blues and get yourself back to a normal, active, and happy you!
1. Exercise. It doesn’t have to be about losing weight or even being healthy. Exercise can be a great form of stress relief. Try to fit in a good work out a few times a week and it will improve your mood and decrease your stress level.
2. Eat Healthy. Processed foods can bring you down. They can cause mood swings, depression, and a lack of concentration. Try to focus more of your diet on fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Work on staying hydrated and meeting your daily water intake goal of at least 8 cups. The healthy diet will keep you focused, alert, and energetic.
3. Take some Vitamin D. One major thing that we all overlook in the winter is the sun. In the summer the sun provides us with a daily dose of vitamin D. In the winter we see a lot less of the sun and we tend to stay indoors a lot more because of the cold temperatures. A lack of vitamin D can cause mild depression and weaken your immune system, which contributes to the “winter cold” that goes around every year. Pick up a vitamin D supplement to help keep your levels strong.
4. Focus on your New Year’s Resolutions. You set them, so why not keep them? If you slip up once or twice don’t give up! The resolutions will give you something to focus on as a goal. You set them for a reason and you will feel better the longer that you keep them.
5. Treat Yourself! You work hard and deserve a break every now and then. Try a weekend getaway, a shopping day, or even a spa day. Give yourself something to look forward to.
6. RELAX! Take a few minutes each day to sit down and do nothing. Read a book, watch a TV show, meditate, take a yoga class. Do something that you enjoy for a few minutes each day. Relieve the stress from work, kids, etc. and just take some time each day to focus on you.
7. Go Outside. Don’t avoid the weather. Embrace the season. Get outside and participate in seasonal events. Take up a winter sport, build a bonfire, visit seasonal shops and/or destinations. Staying positive and active will help to alleviate that winter depression.
8. Stay Social. Keep in touch and visit with friends and family. Just because the holidays are over does not mean that you can’t have a dinner with family, or a party with friends. Never underestimate the positive impact that human interaction can have, especially when you are feeling down.
Excess stress and mild depression is a common pattern during the winter months. It is so easy to fall into that seasonal slump and just stay cooped up until Spring. Make this year different! Follow these 8 tips to give yourself a healthier and more enjoyable winter season. You will not regret it!
Sources:
http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/winter-blues
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=341&page=3
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