Now that March is here, I'm ready for longer days, walks around the city, feeling the warmth of the sun and to watch the trees and flowers finally start to bloom. I know we’re not there yet, as March usually brings its fair share of unpredictable weather… but we’re so close!
If you feel that the winter takes a toll on your mental state, you’re not alone! It is very common to suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter that goes away during the spring and summer.
Some of the symptoms of SAD are:
Having low energy
Overeating
Weight gain
Feeling sluggish or agitated
Craving for carbohydrates
Social withdrawal (or hibernating)
Here are 4 ways to boost your mood this winter!
Stay Active
Even if all you want to do after work or on the weekend is hibernate and stay cooped up inside, know that this is not going to help for boost your mood! Book yourself a workout class, get yourself to the gym to do a killer workout or even call a friend to join you for a walk! Every bit of activity counts and you’ll notice an increase in endorphins and your happiness will increase!
Get Your Vitamin D
Since a shortage of sun exposure is part of what triggers SAD, sit by a bright window or get outside on a sunny day for at least 30 minutes per day. The light will suppress the release of melatonin (which makes you sleepy) and trigger the release of brain chemicals that are linked to a more upbeat mood. If getting outside or seeing the sun is not possible due to your work schedule, supplement with 400-800 IU’s of vitamin D.
Get Social
There’s nothing worse than feeling like you have nothing to do on a weekend or on a winter’s evening! We already covered that it’s not a helpful mood booster to coop yourself up inside too often. Don’t get me wrong… I’m all for the occasional quiet evening or lazy Sunday since I am a huge homebody, but if you’re feeling like your mood is being affected, it’s time to take action! Get yourself outside for a walk, call some friends to go out for dinner, or even join some sort of organized league! The more social you can be during these long winter months the more you’ll enjoy yourself and be able to avoid SAD symptoms!
Stick to a Healthy Diet
When you feel the effects of the ‘winter blues’ you will start craving starchy, sugary, creamy and cheesy foods. I mean… HELLO I am so guilty! That is our winter comfort food, isn’t it?! Don’t be afraid to indulge, BUT if you want to feel a boost in your mood, try to choose vegetable soups, fruits, leafy greens and foods lower in saturated fats (red meat, butter, cream, cheese, etc.).
If you think that the winters are long and you cannot wait for spring to arrive, I'm right with you guys! But, we have to try to make the best of what we have and enjoy our lives in the process. Keep yourself moving, get social, eat right and soak up that sunshine if you want to boost your mood this winter!
Here to chat if you need anything ALWAYS. Here is a link to my private Facebook group if you are looking for extra support! bit.ly/FacebookFam
XO,
Jen