5 Ways to Boost Well-Being When the Winter Blues Hit
Don’t let the chilly season take over your mental health
While most people’s moods dip during the dark, bitter wintertime months, some individuals experience the blues more. Lack of daylight and other factors make dealing with winter conditions hard, and seasonal affective disorder strikes. If your mental health goes downhill and you want to boost your well-being, note these tips.
Get maximum daylight
People with winter blues need plenty of natural light. However, many only see a few hours’ worth during the darkest months. If you are one of those people, you’ll benefit from adjusting your routine to ensure you meet as much daylight as possible.
Follow nature’s timetable. Rise with the birds and relax hygge style when darkness falls. Aim to dress warm and stroll in the countryside or the local park once a day. Exercise, fresh air, added daylight, and being among nature will improve your mental state.
Also, drag your desk closer to a window, and keep blinds and curtains open as far as possible to let in light as you work. You can invest in an electric light designed for people with SAD that mimics natural light to boost well-being.
Eat a healthy diet
Your instinct may be to consume more junk foods than usual in the winter. Plenty of people engage in excess comfort eating due to lack of light and warmth, which stops them from wanting to venture outside like they do in the summer. As someone with the winter blues, you’ll find your mood plummets shortly after eating too many cakes, candies, and fries.
Recognize the correlation between the foods you eat and your emotions, and take control of your diet. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean protein, and healthy fats such as olive oil and coconut oil to lift depression. Top warmed berries with Greek yogurt, honey, and crushed walnuts if you want a wholesome snack.
Control alcohol intake
Don’t kid yourself that a winter warmer or two every evening will cheer you. It might, but only for a short while. Realize whether you enjoy a drink as social entertainment or use it as an anesthetic. Alcohol dulls pain and is self-prescribed by those who suffer from mental or physical discomfort. It may seem to work, but there’s a downside. Not only is it addictive and drains your energy, but it also depletes the nutrients required for good mental health.
Consider making a seasonal non-alcoholic punch to drink when you want to cozy up by the fireside and enjoy a treat. Sweetened fruit juice — orange or apple — with honey and cinnamon are helpful choices. Heat to a medium temperature and simmer.
Or heat your favorite chocolate and pour it into a mold with a stick. Decorate it with marshmallows and cake sprinkles and leave it to set in the fridge for two hours. When it’s ready, dip and swirl the chocolate lollipop into a mug of hot milk.
Relax hygge style
Your environment and comfort indoors matter more than during the summer when you go out often. Make sure your home is inviting and full of cheer. Use ambient lighting, cozy blankets, cushions, throws, candles, winter scents, and upbeat or gentle music.
Develop a hygge wind-down routine to enjoy each evening, too. You might light scented candles and bathe at a similar time every night or read by the fireside. Choose a few relaxing rituals to carry out, and your system will learn it’s time to enjoy comfort and peace.
Brighten up the mornings
Make mornings pleasant rather than a drag. People often experience stress when they wake up and don’t want to get out of bed. Lift the winter blues by ensuring getting up is easy and fun. Prepare your clothes and items for work the night before and stock up on healthy, feel-good breakfast ingredients to start the day well.
Almond butter and banana French toast, avocado toast, baked apples stuffed with oatmeal, almond milk, dates, and pecan nuts will boost your well-being. Listen to your favorite radio station while eating breakfast, and keep your attitude positive.
Think of a statement to remind you not to give in to the blues. “Today, I will focus on little moments of pleasure” may work. Or spot three positive events. They could be anything from hearing children’s laughter to receiving a phone call from a friend. Your intent will help you tune into positivity.
Don’t let the winter blues take over your mental health; control your environment and behavior, adjusting them to boost your well-being. You’ll enjoy having the power to impact your emotional state instead of allowing the chilly season to drag you down.
