5 Ways To Beat The Winter Blues
If you feel your mood dropping faster than the temperature outside, these small lifestyle changes can really boost your spirits. Read on for our guide to beating the winter blues!
Brighten Up
Long winter nights and dark winter mornings can really start affecting your mood! When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light for 15-30 minutes a day can be super effective! Open up your blinds and curtains and sit by the window to soak up any natural light, and consider plugging in a light box for an extra dose of sunny vitamin D.
Eat Smarter
We all crave hearty, heavy, carb-based meals in the cold winter months. Enjoy the seasonal treats, but try to keep your diet balanced with plenty of lean protein, fresh veggies and fruits, and whole grains. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna) help boost mood and keep your metabolism stable. Got a sweet tooth? Dark chocolate naturally increases serotonin, making it a comforting, feel-good treat. So go ahead, get that second hot cocoa!
Get Moving
Exercising for at least 15 minutes a day can help boost mood, shake up your routine and get you out of the house. If exercising isn't your thing, just spending some time outside (even when it's chilly!) can improve focus, lower stress levels and improve your mood. Extra feel-good points: enlist a buddy to walk around the block or sit outside with you.
Give Yourself Something To Look Forward To
Longing for sunny days at the beach, or just a weekend to yourself? Give yourself something to look forward to by planning a vacation, taking a day off for a staycation, or ordering yourself a monthly gift like a Amber Rose Box subscription. Even if you don't have the budget for an exotic vacation, chances are you can set aside a day of self care! Set your phone on Do Not Disturb, throw on a face mask, and r-e-l-a-x for an afternoon!
Help Others
If you're feeling down, helping someone out can really boost your own sense of happiness and satisfaction. Winter is the hardest time of year for folkx in need, and shelters and soup kitchens are always in need of a helping hand, especially around the holidays. Focusing on helping someone else is a great way to get out of your own headspace and reframe your perspective.
