COMBAT THE WINTER BLUES: How to Stay Energized During the Shorter Darker Days
Do you feel like your energy and mood drop in the winter with the colder darker days? Here are some tips to keep you feeling energized and positive all winter long.
It’s that time of year when the sun goes down early and the temperatures have dropped. Many people feel the winter blues and experience a loss of energy, feel unmotivated, and notice a change in their mood. Keeping your energy and motivation up can be a challenge. You might be tempted to just lay on the couch or guzzle coffee, but these things are not the answer to your health and well-being.
How to Combat the Winter Blues and Stay Energized :
- Get Outside: Get outside and soak in the light. Even though the days are shorter and you might have to bundle up, getting daily sunlight will boost your mood and energy. It helps get sunlight earlier in the day. Make sure not to wear sunglasses and remember you are still absorbing sun rays even when it is cloudy. If that is not enough for you, consider a happy lamp or light therapy box to help combat the winter blues.
- Eat nourishing comfort food: Winter and fall calls for nourishing nutrient-dense meals. Eating whole foods will help to create feel-good serotonin. Think soups, roasted veggies, and winter squash.
- Stay hydrated and moisturized: Water is essential for your body. Dehydration can make you feel tired and reduce your ability to focus. It can be harder to remember to drink as much water in the winter when it is not warm so make it a part of your routine.
- Create a bedtime routine: If you don’t have a bedtime routine to help you relax and wind down, it may be time to create one. It can be as simple as turning off electronics, dimming the lights, practicing self-care, and reading a good book. Here are 23 ways to revamp your night-time routine.
- Stick to a sleep schedule: A consistent sleep schedule is key to a healthy body, immune system, and energy. A regular sleep pattern consisting of at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night will help you stay energized. Keep your sleep schedule as regular as possible with a bedtime and wake time that you can maintain on weekdays and weekends.
- Supplement with vitamin D: Sun exposure is one of the ways we get vitamin D. With shorter darker days, it may be a good idea to consider a Vitamin D3 supplement. You can get your Vitamin D levels checked by your doctor to see if it is right for you.
- Embrace the slower pace: Embrace the slower days of winter and don’t feel guilty about staying in. Try a new hobby, read, practice self-care, and romanticize your day.
- Get cozy: Wear fuzzy socks, light candles, and make your home a place you want to be.
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