5 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
16 January 2008
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It’s the new year and with that comes a few more months of winter. While the cold weather and snow covered ground may have been pretty in December, by the end of January it starts to wear on you. It seems that the weeks leading up to spring are not only frigid but they are down right depressing. Because of the cold weather, lack of light, and the dreary surroundings many of us face a bout of seasonal depression. Beat the winter blues and help fight your winter worries with these terrific tips.
- Light Up Your Day: It is believed that one of the biggest causes of Seasonal Depression is the decrease in serotonin caused by a lack of sunlight. Long hours spent at work under fluorescent lights are often met with early darkness which means a larger majority of people who work nine to five rarely see the sun. Combating this can be as simple as taking a walk during your lunch or replacing your home lights with halogen lights. Both of these solutions will boost your mood by subjecting you to light. When you get home from work try to turn on a few lights and refrain from sitting in dimly lit or dark rooms.
- Day Dream: Is the cold weather bringing you down? Sometimes the one thing you want (sunny days) I the last thing you can get, but that doesn’t mean there is no hope. Throw away everything you’re parents told you about day dreaming and let your mind escape for a few minutes each day. When you’re having a particularly bad day, close your eyes and imagine your self in your favorite summer setting. Feel the sun on your body and the light that floods your mind. Let yourself enjoy your brief moment away from reality to really get your mind off the less than desirable winter weather.
- Go Bright: Winter colors have a tendency to be drab and muted leaving your wardrobe representing your lack of enthusiasm. Whenever you’re feeling a little blue consider adding some bright hue’s to “brighten” your mood. Colors can have a positive or negative effect on your mood so take advantage of vibrant colors like reds and oranges to really bust those winter blues.
- Get Active: The winter blues can take their toll on your physical and emotional well being. Often times, as the winter progresses you may find that you are less and less active. Being less active will not only add on some unwanted winter weight but it will also work to deepen your depression. Make it a point to be active at least three or four days a week. Even a half hour of running or cycling can help you improve your mood.
- Buy a Plant: Looking out the window on a winter day can be a pretty depressing sight. Depending on where you live you may see tons of old snow that has turned black and brown and lifeless trees. You may not be able to change the outdoors but you can bring some life into your home, office, or apartment with a plant. For the ultimate boost choose one that lacks flowers so you can maximize the amount of oxygen in the room.
Source: EasyArticles.
