Seven Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

The winter months can really take a toll on us. The cold weather sets in and the skies get darker, making some of us feel lethargic and even moody. This becomes especially apparent once the magic of Christmas subsides.

Here are some ways you can boost your spirits and beat the winter blues:

1. Work on your summer body

Remember, summer bodies are made in the winter. I know how hard it is to resist the temptation of holiday treats, but don’t forget your fitness goals during the winter months. Eating healthy can boost your mood and give you energy. These benefits outweigh those few moments of bliss you feel when indulging in sweets.

Exercising has the same advantages and can also make you feel more confident about yourself. Kickstart your motivation by signing up for a new group fitness class. I personally love hot yoga in the winter. I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to walk into a toasty, zen-filled room when it’s cold outside. It’s absolute heaven! Not only that, but it gets you out of the house instead of being stuck inside on the couch.

2. Get some vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to many health issues, including depression. Since we don’t see much of the sun in the winter, it’s a good idea to start taking a vitamin D supplement. You can also eat foods rich in the vitamin, such as salmon, tuna, milk, yogurt, eggs, or cheese.

3. Get outside

Studies show that spending time outside can help relieve stress and lift our spirits. So, bundle up and get some fresh air for a few minutes each day. You can also do fun winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, or taking your kids sleigh riding. Trust me, it makes you feel like a kid again (another great mood booster).

4. Volunteer

Use this time to help those in need―tis is the season of giving after all. Choose a charity your passionate about. Do you love about animals? Volunteer for an animal shelter. Do you have a loved one who was affected by cancer? Raise money for a charity like The American Cancer Society. Love kids? Volunteer to read books to them at a local library. The possibilities are endless.

5. Start a new project

Have you been putting off cleaning out your closet? There’s no better time than now. Maybe you’ve been itching to do something creative. Make Pinterest your new best friend and start a DIY project. This can also keep your kids occupied if you work on a project together. Bonus!

6. See the light

Use a dawn simulator to trick your brain into thinking it’s summer. Pretty cool, right? This device works by gradually lighting your room with increasing intensity over a set period of time before waking you up.

Studies show that exposure to the proper amounts of early morning light help ensure our internal clocks function properly. When the sun rises, our bodies produce serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone. During darker mornings and nights our bodies produce more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin, which can make us feel depressed. Dawn simulators have been shown to improve our mood and cognitive performance.

7. Plan a vacation

Escape the cold for a little while by planning a vacation to a warm, sunny place. Not only will you benefit from more sunshine, you’ll also be taking care of your mental health with a much-deserved break from work.

I’ve visited Florida during Christmas time and it definitely boosted my mood by making it feel like summer again. I must say, it was odd seeing palm trees when I’m used to watching the snow fall, but hey I’ll take it!

The moral of the story is not to let the winter get you down. There are many things you can do to brighten your mood and keep you motivated. What have you been doing to fight the winter blues?