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Now that the glitz and glam of the holidays are behind us, the really tough winter months are ahead of us. January, February and March are the crummiest months of the year, where we have to suffer through freezing temperatures and general weather malaise before spring comes round again.
With many of us making resolutions to live more healthy in the New Year, it is important not to neglect our mental health as well. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects a number of people, so here are five green and natural ways to keep your spirits up during these grueling winter months.
1) Exercise
Physical activity is proven to release endorphins into the body and improving mood. It can be hard to motivate yourself to go to the gym in the winter or participate in outdoor activity. Often what is stopping us is the cold, but if you bundle up -- throw on some thick socks, boots, warm gloves and hat and venture outside even for a walk, it can do wonders for your mood. Frosty, wintry walks can be quite beautiful and lift spirits when you’re feeling “blah,” plus they're a no-environmental-impact activity. Yoga and meditation are other great ways to quiet the mind and calm anxiety.
2) Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Vitamins
Fresh fruits and vegetables may not be in abundance in the winter, but you can take supplements to ensure that you are getting what your body needs. Vitamin D, also known as the "Sunshine Vitamin," is produced naturally by the body when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Studies show Vitamin D is necessary for some of the body’s regulatory functions and it can help combat depression, so if you live in an area that does not get much sunlight and/or colder climates where skin is always covered up in the winter, be sure to take Vitamin D and B12 supplements. And check out these delicious meal ideas to help raise your spirits.
3) Lighten Up
"Lighten Up" doesn’t just mean increasing the amount of light in your day, although studies have found that light therapy and SAD lights can help improve mood in winter months. But don't forget to take some time to enjoy the sunshine when it's out. On workdays, head outside during your break for a quick walk, or find a sunny spot along a bank of windows during lunch. Another simple way to cheer yourself up is to incorporate color to your wardrobe. Pair a vibrant scarf or brightly-colored mittens with your dark parka. Not only will the brightness remind you of spring, the splash of color will bring a smile to those around you, and cheery moods have a way of rubbing off on others.
4) (Im)Plant a Good Mood
Emulate being surrounded by nature by decorating your house with plants. It will improve your spirits, and many plants are super air scrubbers, removing toxins from your home for a healthier, cleaner indoor environment. An easy way to do this in the winter is to grow an indoor garden .
5) Visit Friends and Make Time for Social Activity
Laughing and simply being around others can make you feel better. Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean that you have to stop seeing your loved ones. Bake some goodies, call a friend and head over for a fun visit.
More Ways to Get Over Winter Blahs:
How to Get Happy Without the Prozac -- Natural Cures for the Blues
Use Bananas to Overcome the Holiday Blues
3 Delicious Ways to Get Your Vitamin D, Even When the Sun is Hiding
