Aloha,
Wish you were on a nice, warm beach soaking up the sun during these winter days? If you live in a place that is overcast, gloomy, rainy, and snowy during this time of year how can you beat these ‘winter blues’? Even though ‘winter blues’ isn’t a clinical depression diagnoses, seasonal depression tends to be an issue for many people.
Recently, I visited friends who struggle during winter and thought it may help to discuss some of my favorite ways to feel better.
- Get Up and Move - Set an exercise routine such as running, lifting weights, yoga, swimming. The endorphins produced will improve your happiness and sense of well-being.
- Vitamin D & Supplements – Vitamin D can help when we aren’t soaking up the sun. Keep following your program of other vitamins and supplements.
- Netflix & YouTube Videos – A good comedy list of movies and TV shows can keep you laughing. Use those cute animal YouTube videos to help brighten your day.
- Hot Chocolate, Tea, or Coffee – A perk to the chilly weather is the unlimited amount of warm drinks with flavors of pumpkin, gingerbread, peppermint, etc.
- Mini Vacation - Book a short vacation to treat yourself with a spa, hot tub, and room service.
- Hit the Slopes - If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing is a great exercise while enjoying the view.
- Throw a Party - Plan a get-together to socialize with friends and family.
- Read a Book - Nothing like grabbing a hot chocolate and blanket to cozy up on the couch with a good book on a stormy night.
- Keep Your Routine - Don’t let yourself sleep longer than you should. Keep your routine of when you go to bed and when you get up.
- Write Often - Journal writing is a great way to focus where to improve. Your future self and children will love to read it as well!
- Create Art - This is a great time to dive back into some artistic hobbies and share with others such as painting, ceramics, pastels, crocheting, and knitting. Personally. I love to crochet and give them as gifts.
- Bake – Nothing is better than having a fresh warm treat to fill the air. Drop off your baked goods as a surprise for friends and family.
Try something you have never done before and maybe you will find a new hobby or passion! I hope that this list will help you avoid or improve your ‘winter blues’ and enjoy this season. If you do not see improvement, do not hesitate to see a therapist. These healthcare professionals may be the solution you are looking for to feel better.
Keep smiling,
Melissa