The seasonal affective disorder is a real thing and is often known as the winter blues.
It can be a real struggle to cope with the shorter days and the colder weather, to the point that it can lead us to either spiral out of control or be unable to get out of bed in the morning.
It’s not healthy and can really affect our day-to-day lives. But how can you get over them and fight them off?
Tips To Fight The Winter Blues
For some people, winter brings the holiday mood. But for many people, winter means the season of cough, cold and seasonal flu.
The winter blues may be very beautiful, but without precaution, this attractive season can be blurry and dull. You have to spend your whole day in bed.
Here are the easy, homely tips which you can follow and keep your winter holiday the most memorable one
1. Take Vitamin D Supplements
A large part of it is altering our mood and what you’ll find during the winter is that vitamin D levels are lower. Vitamin D plays an important part in regulating our mood, which also decreases the risk of depression.
Many studies have shown that by taking vitamin D supplements, people see a noticeable improvement in their mood, and with the sun not shining, it’s time to stock up.
Alongside supplements, some foods are good sources of vitamin D, including cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, milk, eggs, and sardines.
2. Don’t Overdo The Booze
Where vitamin D can improve your mood, alcohol can have the opposite effect. Turning to wine and alcohol is a more frequent occurrence during the winter, particularly those drinks that do offer a warming feeling, like whisky.
However, read any alcohol advice, and you’ll find that it is a depressant and it is actually problematic turning to it for whatever reason, including the winter blues, and it could be a sign that you have an addiction.
3. Start A New Project
Engaging the brain with something new is always a smart idea at this time of year, as it gives you something to focus on and takes the brain away from feeling down and out due to the change in season.
Trying something new essentially starts a process of rewiring the brain, and that sense of achievement at completing something new, whether it be learning to play an instrument, taking up cookery, or anything else, will release endorphins that will improve your mood.
4. Be Social
We’re social creatures and while it may feel like all you want to do is hibernate under your bed sheets, that isn’t going to make you feel any better.
Don’t turn down social occasions or leave the phone unanswered when friends and family call. Within five minutes of human interaction, you’ll find your mood improves significantly, whether it be enjoying a conversation over a hot coffee or getting out at the weekend for a walk, or taking a trip out for dinner.
You never know. You may even find that you love winter after all.
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