Ten Cool Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

   By divinecaroline  Jan 03, 2011
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Winter is in full force. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. The “winter blues” are characterized by the mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that many people experience during this cold season. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to both prevent the blues from coming on and get yourself back to normal if they’re already here.



1. Exercise
As if we needed another reason to get fit! Exercise isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life. Plus, the effects of a good workout can last for several hours after you hit the showers. You’ll have more energy throughout the day, and your metabolism with stay elevated too. Exercise also helps your mind by releasing those “feel good chemicals” that improve your mood.   

2. Eat a Healthy Diet
What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods (like white breads, rice, and sugar). These foods are not only devoid of the nutrients your body craves, but they zap your energy levels and can affect your mood?causing depression, lack of concentration, and mood swings. Try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily eight cups of water. These healthy foods provide your body (and mind) with nutrients, and stabilize your blood sugar and your energy levels.   

3. Get Some Sun
Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D. But did you know that it also improves your mood? Winter days are shorter and darker than other months, and because of the cold weather, a lot of people spend less and less time outdoors. Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed?without knowing why! Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Try to spend a little more time outdoors. Keep your shades up during the day to let more light in. Sit near windows in restaurants and during class. Try changing the light bulbs in your house to “full spectrum” bulbs. These mimic natural light and actually have the same affects on your mind as the real thing.   

4. Act on your Resolutions
A recent study from the CDC showed a strong link between healthy behaviors and depression. Women who exhibited healthy behaviors (like exercising, not smoking, etc.) had less sad and depressed days than those whose behaviors were less than healthy. Although researchers studied women, the results are likely similar in men.   

5. Avoid Binge Drinking
Staying in with a cold beer or a nice glass of wine may seem like the only thing to do in the winter months, and many people who feel down also tend to turn to alcohol when they’re feeling down. But alcohol is actually a depressant, and rather than improving your mood, it only makes it worse. Avoiding alcohol when you are already depressed is a good idea. Moderate drinking is fine for most people, but binge drinking (defined as having five or more drinks in one sitting) is never a healthy choice. The morning after will have you feeling sick, depressed, and even more tired, which will affect many aspects of your life. This will make your low energy and bad mood even worse.   

6. Treat Yourself
Having something to look forward to can keep anyone motivated. Winter seems endless! But if you plan something exciting, your mood improves when you’re anticipating it and when the event actually comes. Plan something that’s exciting to you?a weekend trip, a day at the spa, a party (but keep number five above in mind), or special event like a play, girls or guys night out, or sporting event.   

7. Relax!
You’re busy! Work, class, family, friends, appointments, meetings?even if you enjoy being busy, everyone needs some time off. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to extra opportunities (covering a shift for a co-worker, bringing food to your son’s class party). Try to spend a few minutes each day doing nothing! Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early, try some meditations, or take a yoga class. Relaxation, especially in the form of yoga, can alleviate stress and leave you with a calm energy. Mental exercises like meditation and positive thinking can help keep depression at bay.   

8. Embrace the Season
Instead of always avoiding the cold and the snow?look for the best that it has to offer! Take up a winter sport like ice-skating, snowboarding, hockey, or even sledding! Enjoy these opportunities while they last?after all, they’re only here a few months per year. Staying active will boost your energy. Seeing winter in a positive light, with all the fun activities that it has to offer, will keep your spirits high.   

9. Get Social Support
Don’t underestimate the power of friends, family, mentors, co-workers, and neighbors. Who can you turn to when you’re down and need a pick-me-up? Keep a mental list of these special people and don’t be afraid to ask for help or encouragement when you need it. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood.   

10. Catch Some Zzzz’s
People naturally want to sleep a little bit more during the winter. But with all we have going on, sometimes sleep is the first thing to go. With a little time management, and some self-discipline, you can meet your shut-eye needs. Aim for seven to eight hours each night, and try to keep your bedtime and waking time consistent. That way, your sleeping patterns can normalize and you’ll have more energy. Try not to oversleep?those twelve-hour snoozes on the weekend can actually make you more tired. Don’t forget naps! A short (ten to thirty minute) afternoon nap may be all you need to re-energize midday.

By Nicole Nichols, Fitness Instructor and Health Educator

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twoboymom by twoboymom | Egg Harbor, NJ
Feb 03, 2011

Getting movement in your body is a great pick me up any time of the year!! If you find yourself in a slump, take ten minutes (break at work or home) and move, my favorite Fast pick me ups are: Rick Bradleys Fit in a Flash or pull up a Paul Eugene Video on computer both will soothe you in less then ten minutes!! Try it... it can be a refreshing as a good belly laugh with a girlfriend!!

basilandcatnip by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX
Jan 19, 2011

I started actively doing a few of these things as Resolutions before I knew they were tips on this tips list. Nice reminder for self care. Thanks for posting. They do work! Just remember, if you slip and find yourself forgeting to do them, don't beat yourself up, be happy you caught yourself and get back into doing them. Good luck to everyone!

JeannaMarie by JeannaMarie | bay city, MI
Jan 06, 2011

Great tips?. Cant wait to start these.

jojointn by jojointn | LEWISBURG, TN
Jan 04, 2011

Great tips...I really need to start these!

thedomestichick by thedomestichick | CENTRAL, SC
Jan 04, 2011

These are great tips. I have used some of these in the past successfully, and now I have some new things to try as well.

hsrewoh by hsrewoh | JOHNSON CITY, TN
Jan 03, 2011

Great ideas. I have found exercise and sun to work the best for me.

jennyjen1234 by jennyjen1234 | Verbena, AL
Jan 03, 2011

Great tips. I plan on trying every idea on the list.