If you are feeling lethargic, low in energy and not very motivated at this time of the year its not uncommon and it could be that you have a touch of the “winter blues”.
Beat the winter blues to help you feel happier and more energetic.
- When the sun shines, try and make time to get out in the sunlight even if it is for 15 to 30 minutes, walk, jog, sit on a park bench, getting some sun exposure during the winter months will help to keep a positive mood during the winter. Remember that even on a crisp winter day you can still walk along a beach and feel the sand between your toes. Vitamin D, also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, can assist to relieve the depression and anxiety some people experience during the winter months.
- Meditation is an excellent way to overcome the winter blues.
- Try to embrace winter, get cosy and warm – enjoy an afternoon movie at home or relax with a magazine or book, but balance with staying physically active too.
- Fill your plates, bowls and cups with mood-enhancing foods and receipes to feel your best this winter.
- Wear bright cheerful colours to help lift your mood.
- Winter is an excellent time to try that new hobby. Activities like sewing, woodworking, arts and crafts, cupboard cleaning and household repairs can focus your mind to improve mental wellbeing.
- Look at what you can do in the garden and start preparing it for spring.
- Oats aren’t just a warm and cosy way to start a winter morning, they can also help to regulate your mood.
- Sipping on a hot chocolate is a sure way to warm you and lift you mood.
- Enjoy white beans warmed with rosemary added to any hearty winter soup to warm your heart.
- Iron deficiency can present itself as fatigue and lack of interest in everyday things. Spinach is a source of plant- based iron, helping to naturally increase your levels.
- Accomplishing any goal, be it big or small provides a burst of dopamine, this is the brain chemical behind motivation.
