How to ward off winter blues
Posted on March 08 2019
As the nights draw in and the days get colder, it's not unusual to feel fed up from time to time. There's nothing better than snuggling up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate, but sometimes that just doesn't cut it. We've put together a few more ways to help perk you up as winter approaches if you find yourself feeling 'blue'.
Keep active to keep happy
Exercise might seem like the last thing on your mind when all you want is to curl up in bed, but it’s proven to improve mood and help reduce anxiety. Keeping active can release feel-good endorphins and take your mind off worries and negative feelings.1 Finding exercise you actually enjoy can make a big difference, too - don’t spend hours on the treadmill if you hate it! Look for a more relaxed environment or a slower-paced activity if needs be. Whatever you enjoy is sure to be a better mood-booster.
Focus on friends and family
It might be tempting to hibernate on a gloomy winter’s day, but being around other people can do you a world of good. Getting out and about to see people you enjoy spending time with will stop you feeling isolated and help boost your mood if you’re feeling low. Whether it’s dressing up and going out with a friend, or just popping round to your mum’s for a cuppa, it’s worth surrounding yourself with people who put a smile on your face.
Eat smarter, feel brighter
A healthier diet can help to boost your energy levels and mood.2 Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables can stop you from feeling bloated and lethargic, both of which add to low mood. If you’re craving a winter warmer, try a seasonal soup or stew with vitamin-rich veg. Add in squash for plenty of magnesium and potassium, aubergine for a fiber and Vitamin B1 boost, or sweet potato for a dish rich in Biotin, Vitamin B6 and anti-inflammatory properties. Thinking about what you’re eating can make a big difference from the inside out.
Fight fatigue naturally
Long, dark days affect our ‘circadian rhythm’ (our internal body clocks) and can leave us feeling tired, moody, or low.3 There are ways to get your body the light it needs throughout darker months, which in turn can help regulate hormones affected by circadian rhythms. Light therapy, or light boxes, can balance your sleep cycle and leave you feeling more rested. Using light boxes, or a dawn simulator, in the morning mimics natural sunlight and helps counter seasonal blues.
Just getting outside for some sunshine can make a big difference, too! If you find tiredness is still impacting how you feel, a natural supplement to help regulate sleep could give your mind and body a much-needed boost. Not getting enough sleep can leave you stressed and fatigued, adding to those winter blues. A supplement like 5-HTP (a naturally occurring amino acid) can go a long way in boosting your mood and energy. For mood and sleep support, our naturally sourced 5-HTP tablets could be just the help you need to get you feeling yourself again.
What to remember
There are plenty of things you can do to give yourself a boost if colder, darker days impact your mood as the seasons change. However, if your symptoms of feeling ‘blue’ this winter are worrying you, or become persistent, make sure to visit your GP. They’ll be able to talk you through your options and give you some more in-depth advice surrounding mental health.
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