It’s that time of year again when the winter blues creep in. The days are getting shorter and the nights longer in some parts of Canada. This means that it gets dark quite early, and even when you wake up at 5am, it’s still not light outside. . This condition usually lasts about six months each year. In summary, it can put a damper on a person’s mood, and it happens on a very subconscious level so it’s hard to even notice. After all, when the sun is shining outside, we instinctively feel brighter and more energetic for the day than when the sun is not shining. If you find yourself feeling sad and depressed for no particular reason in the winter, remember that changes in the weather may be the cause of your low mood. Note that winter blues are very different from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a more severe form of depression. That being said, there are things you can do about it. Here are some self-care activities to help you beat the winter blues. You can try one of these ideas or combine them for added benefits.
invest in bright lights
The lighting in your home and living space has a big impact on your winter mood. If you’re prone to winter blues, you may want to invest in bright lighting that mimics sunlight. In most cases, cool (white) light is great and more effective than warm (yellow) light in enhancing ambience. However, when choosing the lighting you need, be aware of your own tastes and preferences. You can turn on these lights during the day when it’s dim and there isn’t much sunlight coming through the windows. Speaking of windows, if you have a lot of windows in your home, try opening your curtains every morning to let in some natural light and wait until it gets dark before closing them. This will ensure you get enough light to boost your mood.
Let’s move our bodies
One of the best things you can do for yourself in the winter is to move your body. Especially since it’s the season when most people don’t do much physical activity. The feel-good endorphins released every time you exercise are worth it. To solve this, start with small actions and gradually work your way up to larger ones. First, get a step counter or pedometer that counts your steps throughout the day. Google Play Store has many free apps that you can download to your phone. You can also count your steps or invest in a smart watch if you have the resources. Once you have this, aim for at least 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day to get the most benefit from your exercise. Over time, you can incorporate other types of exercise, such as aerobics and strength training.
Take your vitamins
Although not all situations require medication or treatment, it can be helpful in certain situations. Ask your doctor about taking vitamins for balanced health. Vitamins are known to strengthen the immune system and help fight diseases. It also prevents deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals that cannot be obtained from most natural sources. For example, many people rely on vitamin D as a supplement when they don’t have enough sunlight or sun exposure. However, please note that everyone’s situation is different and this article is not medical advice. You need to get a healthy opinion from a medical professional.
eat a balanced diet
In parallel with the intake of vitamins, eating a balanced and delicious diet will help the body to function properly and receive all the necessary nutrients during the long and boring winter season. At this time, you should incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and fiber into your diet. Find out what types of produce are in season and try new recipes to add variety to your diet. It is best to avoid eating too many processed and packaged foods that do not add nutritional value to your diet. Whole foods taste better and are almost always better for your health and vitality. Try different food groups in balanced amounts. However, avoid eating too much. In the winter, your body tends to crave starchy, comforting foods and sweet snacks. Having a balanced diet will prevent you from falling into unhealthy eating habits. Finally, remember to stay hydrated with plenty of water while avoiding too many sugary drinks.
indulge in music therapy
I notice that I feel depressed. Turn on your favorite music playlist on Spotify or YouTube and soak up some positive vibes. Bright and inspirational music helps evoke happy thoughts and pleasant memories. It’s best to avoid sad music or songs with negative lyrics at this time. This will help you get rid of bad emotions and keep you in a generally good mood. Depending on your setting, loud and noisy music may not always be appropriate. That’s okay too. You can listen to the sounds of nature and musical instruments, especially to relieve stress and depressing moments. Feeling adventurous? Try some lo-fi music to listen to while doing other things in your home office. It just plays in the background while you work or study.
Participate in talk therapy
Have you ever heard the saying, “A problem shared is a problem half solved”? In other words, sharing things with others makes things feel less stressful and overwhelming. The same applies to our emotions. Sometimes all we need to do is pick up the phone and call a trusted friend who can talk to us and provide perspective, while others prefer to talk to a therapist in a structured way. In some cases, the conversation doesn’t even have to be about your problems. It might just be an informal chat with a friend to catch up on life updates and what’s going on on both sides. Whichever format you choose, the most important thing is to make sure you’re talking to someone you genuinely care about.
Let’s have a social life
Enriching your social life costs money, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Sure, it takes resources to constantly go to restaurants, pay for movies, etc., but you can also look for things to do for free with others that don’t come with a price tag. Activities like a walk in the park, having dinner at home, reading a book at the library, doing adult coloring or scrapbooking, or joining a knitting club usually cost little. . Start by organizing a small group and commit to meeting regularly online or in person to share social activities. You can also start with a friend. If you don’t currently have any friends, you can make new ones by joining events and groups through MeetUp.com.
get professional help
If all tips and ideas don’t work, you can always get additional help from a medical professional. We all go through difficult times, and at times like these, help can be a lifesaver. The fact that you need support isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It means you care about being healthy. It’s always a good idea to seek help early, before a potentially negative situation progresses too far. Thankfully, there are a variety of support and helplines in different communities that you can call and talk to and be able to help you or refer you to someone who can. If you are in Canada and experiencing a mental health crisis, or would like to speak to someone about accessing the right type of service assistance for your situation, please call the number below. Call us 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.
Source: Jamila Kyari Co. – jamilakyari.com
