Winter doesn’t just mean colder days and less hours of light, for some of us it means actively trying to find ways to not feel down or depressed during this chilly season.
Aside from the shorter days, the frequent cold temperatures usually mean you spend more time cooped up indoors and less time enjoying yourself outside.
Here are a few tips to help you feel better until spring:
* Make your environment brighter. When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light for half an hour per day can make a difference. Opening blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.
* Turn on the tunes. Listening to upbeat or cheery music can significantly improve your mood in both the short and long term.
* Exercise. Walking fast for about 35 minutes a day, five times a week, or 60 minutes a day, three times a week, will help improve one’s mood.
* Eat wisely. This means, pushing away the leftover cake and eating sensible, healthy snacks instead.
* Increase social interactions. Being around family and friends can boost your mood and help motivate you to do the things you enjoy. Ask a friend to go to the movies or grab a cup of green tea with a co-worker. And, don’t be shy – a phone call or email to ask for encouragement can go a long way. You may laugh more, worry less and gain a positive outlook. Plus, the person you call may benefit just as much as you from your contact.
* Get enough sleep. Sleep is restorative. It’s a time for your body and mind to heal. Getting too little or too much can cause moodiness, memory troubles and problems with thinking and focusing. You should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Not only is it good for the body, it will help you wake up feeling refreshed.
