Daylight Savings Time has ended and winter is just around the corner. With shorter days and longer nights, we could start to feel a little less motivated, a little more tired, and maybe a bit down. And for some, like clockwork, the winter blues show up to the party, with or without your invitation. So it’s here, your uninvited party guest. What can you do to make sure you still enjoy yourself?
- Exercise – Staying active can help you feel less depressed. Less than ideal weather may deter your motivation to exercise outdoors, but exercise can also be accomplished in the comfort of your own home. You can try yoga, walking the stairs, or free exercise videos.
- Wear bright colors – Just because it’s dark and grey outside doesn’t mean your clothes have to be. Brighten your day and your mood by adding color to your wardrobe.
- Take advantage of daylight – Get vitamin D. We don’t get much of it in the winter with limited sunlight. Vitamin D boosts serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, hunger, and sleep.
- Nutrition – Add more foods that protect against depression and improve mood to your diet.
- Omega-3’s (fish, walnuts, flax seed, soybeans)
- Magnesium-rich foods (nuts and seeds, dark leafy greens, soybeans, avocado, banana)
- Folic acid (green leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, beets, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits)
- Vitamin D (fish, fortified dairy products, mushrooms, eggs)
- Vacation in warmer weather – Give yourself a break from the cold weather and plan a trip to a warmer destination. Or plan a staycation with your friends and family right here in your own backyard.
- Light box therapy – The light box mimics outdoor light, which can promote changes in brain chemistry that may help lift your mood.
- Get creative – Find ways to still do things you enjoy. Try new activities.
Embrace your city. This is your home. Appreciate the changing seasons that some may not have the opportunity to experience.