Beat The Winter Blues
Feeling tired, irritable, or down in the dumps this time of year? Winter is in full force. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. The "winter blues" are characterized by the mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that many people experience during this cold season. Looking to lift your spirits? A few simple tips can make a big difference to your frame of mind.
Exercise - We’re often less active in wintertime. Yet exercise is a known mood enhancer, raising the brain’s levels of serotonin and endorphin. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life and you’ll have more energy throughout the day. Snack Sensibly - What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods (like white breads, rice, and sugar) and try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily 8 cups of water. These healthy foods provide your body (and mind) with nutrients, and stabilize your blood sugar and your energy levels See the Light - Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D which improves your mood. Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed—without knowing why! Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood so try to spend a little more time outdoors. Be Social - Many people socialize less throughout the winter months, but isolating yourself can only worsen those depressive symptoms. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood. Watch What You Drink - Alcohol is actually a depressant, and rather than improving your mood, it only makes it worse. Also watch your intake of caffeine as it can affect your sleep and make you feel groggy and grumpy. Make sure you drink enough water. “
Exercise - We’re often less active in wintertime. Yet exercise is a known mood enhancer, raising the brain’s levels of serotonin and endorphin. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life and you’ll have more energy throughout the day. Snack Sensibly - What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods (like white breads, rice, and sugar) and try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily 8 cups of water. These healthy foods provide your body (and mind) with nutrients, and stabilize your blood sugar and your energy levels See the Light - Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D which improves your mood. Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed—without knowing why! Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood so try to spend a little more time outdoors. Be Social - Many people socialize less throughout the winter months, but isolating yourself can only worsen those depressive symptoms. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood. Watch What You Drink - Alcohol is actually a depressant, and rather than improving your mood, it only makes it worse. Also watch your intake of caffeine as it can affect your sleep and make you feel groggy and grumpy. Make sure you drink enough water. “