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Have you ever woken up on a particularly cold, gray day that immediately sapped your motivation and made you want to stay in bed all day?
You don’t have to be officially diagnosed with season affective disorder (SAD) to suffer from the winter blues from time to time. If you find yourself struggling with the colder weather, shorter days, and the overall dismal nature of winter, you’re not alone.
Most people are affected at some point by the winter blues. But what causes the winter blues?
The winter season is typically characterized by less sunlight, which can hinder our otherwise normal circadian rhythm (the body’s natural clock that manages our brain activity and hormone production). This, coupled with the fact that we’re often forced to stay inside more due to the colder weather, creates a less exciting, more sedentary lifestyle that can last for several months of the year.
It’s undeniably difficult to keep your spirits up when the sun refuses to shine and you’re stuck inside for days on end. But there are a few things you can do differently to beat the winter blues.
How to Beat the Winter Blues
1. Find ways to be active. The only thing harder than getting to the gym in the first place is getting to the gym when it’s cold and gray outside. However, research has shown that even a short, midday walk can be vastly helpful in fighting the winter blues, and perhaps as helpful as light treatment. Alternatively, there are plenty of at-home workouts you can do online or on YouTube.
2. Get as much natural light as possible. Though it may be gray outside, it’s still beneficial to soak in as much natural daylight as possible for that added boost of Vitamin D. Plan your outings around midday when it’s brightest, and make an extra effort to be outdoors longer on those brighter days. And when you’re at home, sit near the windows.
3. Stay warm. Did you know that feeling cold exacerbates symptoms of depression? Fight the winter blues by bundling yourself up with layers, building a fire, and consuming hot drinks and hot food.
4. Keep your mind busy. What hobbies do you enjoy? Start a new book, journal, watch a movie marathon, or learn how to crochet! When your mind is busy focusing on other activities, you won’t have time to feel the winter blues.
5. Make more time to socialize. Spending time with your friends and family has been clinically proven to fight off those winter blues. Plus, when you surround yourself with positive, upbeat people, you’re more likely to reflect those positive emotions, too. Have a movie night with your girlfriends, or do a pub-crawl one evening with a group of friends. Accept the social invitations that come your way, even if you only stop by for a bit.
6. Listen to upbeat music. Research has shown that listening to upbeat music can actually lift your mood. So the next time you feel the winter blues coming on, turn up your favorite playlist.
7. Plan your next vacation. Even if you plan it for several months from now, research has shown that just the simple act of researching/planning a vacation can instantly improve your mood. Where have you always wanted to go? Start planning now!
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