Now that winter is here I’m sure we’re all spending a lot more time indoors compared to the other seasons. Because of the cold and the short days this can make you sad during the winter months. This post is going to help you to avoid the winter blues so you can enjoy your next few months.
The affects of winter can actually cause S.A.D. Definition Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that tends to occur as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is believed that affected persons react adversely to the decreasing amount of light and the colder temperature as autumn and winter progress.
The symptoms of SAD include regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive eating and sleeping, weight gain) during the fall or winter months and full remission from depression in the spring and summer months, with no nonseasonal depressive episodes. A craving for sugary and/or starchy foods has also been said to be characteristic of SAD and separate it from other depressive disorders. https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7719
Now that we understand how the winter can affect us, let’s get into to how to avoid it.
Make Bed
I find that making my bed gives me that push to start my day. It also makes the bedroom feel more clean and put together.
Open Curtains
During the winter the days are very short therefore it’s dark for a lot of the day. As soon as you wake up you should be opening your curtains to take advantage of all the sun you can get before it get’s dark again. This can be difficult when your working. Most of us leave for work in the dark and come back in the dark as well. I make sure to really take advantage of the sun on my days off so it doesn’t seem like it’s just always dark outside.
Get out of the house
I know when it’s cold out a lot of us would just rather stay inside but getting out of the house can really perk up your mood and give you that energy your needing.
Exercise
Exercise is essential to avoid the winter blues. Exercising can boost your mood, metabolism, energy, etc. There are endless benefits to exercising that can help you out in all seasons, not just winter.
Keep warm
Keeping warm is a must! When your outside be sure to bundle up. When your inside definitely light a fire if you have one, get some cozy blankets to curl up in a watch a movie with some friends and family.
Eat Healthy
I am definitely a victim of the bored eating haha. I try to have healthy foods in the house to snack on when I’m hungry or bored as well as have some healthy meals prepped for lunches or for leftovers for supper.
See friends and family
Seeing friends and family is a great way to perk up your mood. You can get pretty sad when your hiding from the cold inside by yourself so branch out and make some plans with people.
Enjoy the winter perks
While winter is here be sure to take advantage of the good parts. Play in the snow, go skating or sledding, a lot of city’s have some cool winter activities going on as well. I live in Edmonton Alberta and we have the Ice Castles that they build and ice sculptures as well. I’m sure you’ll be able to find some kind of winter events going on near you.
And there are all my tips to avoid the winter blues! Be sure to enjoy the winter while we have it. Don’t let it get you down. Spring will be here before you know it! Hope you enjoy your winter season and have a great New Year.
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Great advice. I definitely need to eat healthy.
This is fantastic advice! I can tell the difference when I sit on my butt and stuff my face from when I get up, make my bed, get outside. It really does help!
Some great, simple ideas here
Loved this post!! I always find January is my hardest month of the year mentally so this post has really helped and I hope I can put some of these tips into action and avoid the January blues 🙂
I wish I had this while I was in Michigan because all I did was eat and sleep for two weeks in December. Now I’m back home in 85 degree weather almost everyday. Thanks for sharing these tips.
I can’t lie. One thing I tend to slack on is making my bed. I jump out and pull the covers up but don’t really make my bed if that makes sense. I can’t imagine what living with Seasonal Affective Disorder is like. I know my mom dealt with it but I don’t, which is good since I live in Washington state. It tends to rain here about 7-8 months of the year lol.