Shorter days, dropping temperatures and grey skies””they can all take a toll on your mood and leave you feeling tired and gloomy. Battle the winter blues and get back to your cheerful self with these six helpful tips.
1. Exercise. Moving around can increase your energy levels and help support a healthy mood. Exercise can also help promote a healthy immune response. If you’re not keen on wearing layers, join a local gym where you can exercise out of the cold.
2. Green tea. There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea on a dreadfully cold day. Studies have shown that an amino acid found in green tea may help support healthy mood and promote relaxation.
3. Get some sun. Its presence can be limited this time of year, which is all the more reason to seek out a little bit of sun when you can. Just a few minutes of natural sunlight can help keep your vitamin D levels in check. Vitamin D is vital to overall health and well-being.
4. Eat healthy. Winter is no time to fall off the healthy wagon. Fight those cravings for junk food, because it can actually make you feel worse. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies instead to ensure you get the proper levels of essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to keep your body nourished.
5. Stay hydrated. No matter what the temperature is outside, you need to stay hydrated. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is always recommended, but is especially beneficial this time of year because your skin can dry out due to exposure to wind and the harshness of heaters.
6. Interact. You may feel like wrapping yourself in a blanket and staying inside for the duration of winter, but fight the urge to hibernate. Instead, get out and visit a friend, join a club, or have a party. Socializing can boost your mood and remind you that you’re not alone in facing the perils of winter!