The chilly winter months are among us, meaning darker mornings and nights and gray, gloomy days. Many during these months find it hard to find the motivation for things they used to do, resulting in a term called “the winter blues.” There is no medical diagnosis for the “winter blues.” Still, experts say it is marked by feeling more down than usual, sad, less energized, or less interested in activities one usually enjoys.
But there are ways to lift your mood (even during the chilly winter months), beat those “winter blues,” and stay healthy all winter long!
- Get Moving – 20 minutes of activity at least 3 – 4 times a week is shown to reduce depressive moods.
- Set Your Alarm Clock and Stick to a Sleep Routine – Sticking to a regular sleeping schedule and getting at least 7 hours is beneficial for feeling refreshed and productive during the day.
- Que up a Funny Film – Laughter stimulates your brain and counters depressive symptoms!
- Give Yourself a Manageable Task to Accomplish – Put activities in your day that gives you a sense of competence and accomplishment. Balancing hard work with manageable tasks helps bring pleasure and alleviates depression.
- Book a Staycation – People lift their spirits when they have something to look forward to. If a trip is not in the budget for this year, do a staycation! Plan an afternoon ice skating with friends, try a new restaurant in town, or go to a concert.
- Light Therapy – If you have the flexibility and the weather allows, schedule an early morning walk or lunchtime stroll to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. If that is not an option, light therapy can help you feel more energized and help you sleep better at night.
- Don’t Hesitate to See Your Healthcare Professional – If you are worried about your “winter blues” symptoms, check in with your healthcare provider to ensure it is not more serious.