Coming off the holidays, January for me feels kind of “blah.” It gets dark at 5 p.m., and it’s cold. My energy level is down, and I tend to want to sleep more than I usually would.
The “winter blues” are more common than you may think, and many people experience them. In fact, women are two to four times more likely to feel down during the winter than men. So how on earth do you get over them during these deary winter months?
GET A VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT
We get most of our vitamin D from the sun. However, with the days being shorter, you may not have as much time to do so as you normally would. To help offset this, you should take a vitamin D supplement during the winter months. Vitamin D is linked to clearer thinking and emotional health. Consult with your primary care doctor to determine which supplement would work best for you.
EXERCISE
Exercising can be a great mood booster. Bundle up and take a walk. If it’s not possible to get outdoors and exercise, try a class at your local gym. Not only will the endorphins from working out make you feel better about yourself, but you also will stay fit during the winter months.
SOCIALIZE
As tempting as it may be to stay inside, you should try to get out and socialize. Being around other people, especially positive people, can give you a mood boost. So, grab a friend or two, and do something fun. You will find their positive attitude is contagious.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
A healthy diet will help boost your mood and keep you from being sluggish during these cold months. It may be tempting to eat heavy comfort foods, but adding healthier options like fatty fish, dark chocolate, berries and nuts can provide a boost of energy, as well as some much-needed vitamins.
START A NEW PROJECT
Now is the perfect time to finally tackle that hall closet, reorganize the pantry or conquer another task you have been putting off. Not only will it help distract you from your winter blues, but you will feel a sense of accomplishment once its completed.
Ariel Chamberlain is mom and lifestyle blogger based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Connect with her via Instagram (@thelemonsoflife1, her blog (www.thelemonsoflife.com) or by email at arielc@thelemonsoflife.com.
