Winter is coming! Many people experience winter blues when the days are colder and darker. Winter blues are a feeling of sadness that overwhelms people time and again. These feelings are short-lived, not medically diagnosed, and caused by a combination of many factors like less sunlight, stressful holidays, etc.
Some lifestyle modifications can help people to cope up with the winter blues. These winter blues can turn into something serious for a few, leading to a more severe type of depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Let’s check some of the ways to fight the winter blues:
Limit Your Screen Time
Sometimes staying in front of the TV and constantly exposing ourselves to non-stop news can contribute to stress, sadness, and despair. Make sure to limit your screen time and plan a schedule that includes only an hour of news bulletins, good news and entertainment stories.
Eat Mood-Boosting Foods
Instead of binge-eating foods that are hard to digest, winters, include mood-boosting foods during winters.
Here is a list of foods that can elevate your mood:
• Fishes like salmon are a great addition to the diet to beat the winter blues. These come with the goodness of healthy fats that play a vital role in behaviour and affect dopamine and serotonin transmissions.
• Fresh fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons can help fight fatigue and depression. Other than these, cherries and dark berries are also known as great mood enhancers.
• One should include the following foods in their diet: mushrooms, nuts, dark chocolates, garlic, bananas.
Never Compromise With Your Sleep
Good sleep is a prerequisite for a happy mood. Inadequate and irregular sleep can lead to change in the circadian rhythm that leads to disruption of cortisol (stress hormone) rhythms and even hormone production.
A few ways that can help you to improve your sleep:
• Fix sleep and wake up time
• Practice a simple bedtime routine
• Go out to get some light as soon as you wake up
• Restrict the use of electronic items such as mobiles, television, laptops, etc.
Keep Good Company
It is best to avoid people who make you feel bad about yourself. Choose a good company that helps bring out the best in you.
Tick Off A Few Things From Your Bucket List
In order to avoid being under the weather, it is a good time to indulge in activities that boost your mood. It is time for you to do something that is on your bucket list. You can start a new project, learn a new musical instrument/language. Engaging in these activities will make a good impact on your mental health and even re-energise you.
Get Some Light Therapy
Make sure to get every bit of sunlight. You can also place your movable exercising equipment out or near a window. You can move your work table or use lamps that simulate natural light. Include line on why light therapy helps in this case
Check Your Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is a nutrient linked to sharper thinking and better emotional health. Getting a healthy dose of the sunshine vitamin is necessary for a happy mood. Plan a check for Vitamin D levels after consulting with your doctor. If required, he/she will advice you to get a Vitamin D supplement.
