How to help beat winter blues ?
Winters can be challenging especially in these times with social distancing. Folks living in areas with long, cold winters are likely to experience winter blues, rather than those living in tropical, sunny, or warm weather. The northern hemisphere experiences the winter months from December and the southern hemisphere from June. Winter blues are usually temporary and managed with some lifestyle modifications. This is not to be mistaken for the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is severe and different and one needs to take advice from a medical consultant for that.
Winters are fun initially. It starts with exciting holidays and celebrations, snowfall, fun activities like skiing and sledding. However, after a couple of months, it may get a little boring and monotonous. To make it worse, the short and gloomy days with few hours of sunlight can make you want to stay bundled up and warm with no motivation and lack of enthusiasm. Here are some compiled quotes and tips on beating winter blues to stay upbeat, and cheerful.
Get Moving :
It's a no-brainer, the first thing to help fight winter blues is to get moving! Exercise can not only change your body but also your mind. It is amazing how spending a few minutes working out can change your entire outlook towards things and your frame of mind. It is said that when you feel low and do not have any motivation to work out, is the time you need it the most! So yes workout on good days. But on bad days, workout harder to enhance and improve your mood.
Exercise need not be strenuous, it can be anything simple. Activities like walking, yoga, Zumba, weights, or whatever moves you from your couch or constant sedentary position is good. Exercising gives you a natural high, boosts your state of mind, and makes you cheerful. This is due to the release of endorphins. The important thing about working out however is consistency. It is said that 35 minutes of walking 5 times a week or 60 minutes of the same 3 times a week is great and good enough.
Getting out in the sun, when you get a chance is also a great mood buster. Bundle up and go for a brisk walk or jog, get some sunlight and improve your vitamin D. We all know vitamin D is a great source of better emotional thinking and a sharp mind. The doctors may be able to advise if a supplement can help. So get that sunlight exposure whenever possible and always remember to have the sunscreen on even in winters.
Good Nutrition is important :
Winters can be a tempting time to indulge in rich and fried foods. Well, it is perfectly okay for an otherwise healthy person to enjoy delicious food once in a while, as long as one eats in moderation and with portion control in mind. But keep in mind we are what we eat and drink, so it is important to eat the right foods. Refined sugar is best avoided if and when possible as it causes energy fluctuations. Overindulgence in any of the rich foods can make you feel lethargic, tired, and feel worse.
Whole grains, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, meats, earthy foods, fruits, and vegetables that are healthy like sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, kale are great choices. They can help you with the right nutritional needs and make you feel great as they help enhance your mood as well. Also, make sure to hydrate well and drink plenty of water. Most of us forget to drink enough fluids in winter. Sometimes when we are hungry, it is usually because we didn't have enough water.
Self-care and nurture :
Self-care and nurturing your soul is important. Spend time doing things you love and that truly makes you happy. For instance, relax quietly with a cup of tea or coffee, listen to your favorite music, sketch, journal, read a good book, watch a favorite funny movie. If shopping makes you happy, shop for your favorite clothes or accessories. Get a facial with a face mask, pedicure, paint your nails and dress well even if staying indoors. If you are into spirituality, reading spiritual books can give you comfort as well.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with your friends and family. Positive social connections are essential to our mental and physical health. A long chat with a close friend or family member can make you feel a sense of connection and boost your mood. It can even reduce stress and keep you healthy. Volunteering for a good cause helps you focus on others rather than your own problems. There are many ways to help and give that makes you grateful.
How to help beat winter blues - other ways
Some other ways to beat blues are to look forward to spring, plan your spring garden, seeds, flowers, and plants that you plan to grow in advance, plan a vacation, clean and organize your home, etc. Always remember that winter blues are just a temporary seasonal phase and will end soon, spring is not far away! Thank you for reading this post. If you have any other tips to add, I would love to hear them in the comments. Have a great day!
P.S . All original images credits : pexels.com , Modified using Adobe Photoshop cc by inspiren.com
You're so right that getting moving can help! I went for a walk this morning and it was cold but sunny. When I got home after the activity, I felt invigorated 🙂 Wishing you a beautiful rest of winter, without the blues!
Yes totally agree with you Christy, it's amazing how just going out in the sun for a short walk can totally change your mindset, isn't it! Thank you my friend and hope you have a great winter as well and yes without the blues 🙂
These are fantastic suggestions, Nisha, and I love the quotes you've selected too. I see winter as a time of recovery & preparation, though it's all been so hectic recently there's been very little recovery time! I definitely need to work on nutrition and self-care. Each step is part of nourishing our brains and bodies, especially at times in the winter and with the awful news in the world lately when our mental health can struggle. Thank you for sharing this, it's a very encouraging post and serves as a good reminder to look after ourselves!
Sending hugs,
Caz xx
Thank you so much for stopping by Caz and for the wonderful comments! yes, you are absolutely right with all the happenings around, this is the time we need for recovery and preparation. Glad to hear the quotes resonate with you as well. It's true most of us neglect self-care and nutrition which is very much needed and especially more at this time. A sound mind and body go hand in hand. Wish you a wonderful rest of the week!
What perfect quotes you posted! So many people get the blues and these are fantastic ways to help! Thanks Nisha ❤️
Thank you so much Diane for the kind comments !
Great post , and much required inspirational quotes for this year! Get moving and to be connected is really important and I totally agree with you, and it also very much helps you stay distracted and outdoor walks mainly changes your mood. Thanks for these wonderful tips, and I hope you're doing well!
Thank you so much Aarthi for the kind comments . I am so glad to hear that it resonates with you as well.