Five Ways To Fight The Winter Blues

Whether you call it the winter blues, cabin fever, or if you’ve been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this time of year can be tough. With the excitement of the holidays gone and shorter days, lower temps, and gray weather here to stay for the next few months, our mood can take a serious hit. If you’re lacking energy, finding it harder than usual to get out of bed in the morning, or just feeling all-around blah, you’re not alone! Try these tricks to boost your mood this winter:

1) Get Outside

It may be freezing, but bundle up and head outside. Studies show time spent outside can improve brain function and increase focus. Try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or take the kids outside to go sledding or build a snowman. The fresh air will perk you up and the activity will get your blood flowing. Afterwards warm up with a hot chocolate to keep the positive vibes going, because remember, moderation and balance is key!

2) Brighten up your space

If every time you look out the window all you see is gray, why not bring a little brightness and sunshine inside? Add pillows, blankets, or candles in bright colors to your space to lift your mood and in turn cozy up your space. The change of color palette will instantly make you feel happier.

3) Change your diet

We get it. When it’s chilly outside you’re craving pasta, grilled cheese, and all the carbs that sounds cozy and comforting. While of course you should enjoy them, make sure you balance it out with fruits and veggies. Carbs can cause your blood sugar to spike and then dip, so if you overdo it you’ll only add to that tired, sluggish feeling you’ve been experiencing this winter.

4) Plan an escape

If you wish you were anywhere but stuck in the cold right now, go with it. Plan a movie night with a flick set somewhere warm and sunny and pretend you’re there. Even if just for a few hours, it’ll feel like a mini vacation. Or if you’d prefer the real deal, plan a vacation! Studies show pre-trip happiness is a real thing with vacationers experiencing a serious mood boost during the planning stages of their trip. So even if you aren’t going anywhere just yet, start planning that vacation now!

5) Exercise

In the dead of winter, heading to the gym or going outside for a run probably sounds like the last thing you want to do. But if you can push past that feeling and make it as far as getting started, you’ll find the benefits to be astounding. Once you start moving your body will release feel-good endorphins that increase your sense of well-being, squashing stress and lifting your mood. How can you say no to that?!

Head to our Instagram for more tips and motivation to get moving this time of year!