Having the winter blues is very common and can mean feeling sad or generally more “down in the dumps” according to the National Institute of Health. The reduced levels of sunlight in the winter months may be a factor in lowering serotonin levels which could potentially affect your mood. Here are a few simple ways to tackle those winter blues.

TRY A LIGHT BOX 

A LIGHT BOX IS A GREAT TOOL TO HELP WITH WINTER BLUES. THEY HELP EXPOSE YOU TO LIGHT AT A MUCH HIGHER DEGREE THAN NORMAL HOUSEHOLD LIGHT. A LIGHT BOX CAN GIVE YOU DAYLIGHT EXPOSURE WHEN THE DAYS ARE DARK AND LONG.

GET OUTSIDE  

IT’S VITAL TO GET OUTSIDE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN THE WINTER MONTHS. GET SOME FRESH AIR AND SUNLIGHT. DAILY EXERCISE WON’T ONLY HELP YOU STAY ENERGIZED AND FIT DURING THE WINTER, IT WILL ALSO HELP LIFT YOUR SPIRITS.  

EAT A HEALTHY DIET 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HEALTHY FOODS IN THE WINTER. TRY NEW RECIPES WITH LIMITED AMOUNTS OF SALT, BUTTER, SUGAR, AND CREAM. TRY USING MORE HEALTHFUL OPTIONS, SUCH AS OLIVE OIL, COCONUT MILK, AND SPICES.  

LEARN SOMETHING NEW 

USE THE WINTER MONTHS TO UPDATE YOUR SKILLS TO PRACTICE SOMETHING NEW. TAKE A COOKING CLASS OR STUDY A FOREIGN LANGUAGE. 

 TRY TO REDUCE ALCOHOL

PEOPLE WHO FEEL “DOWN” MAY TURN TO ALCOHOL. ALCOHOL IS A DEPRESSANT AND ACTUALLY CAN MAKE YOUR MOOD WORSE. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MAY BE USING ALCOHOL AS AN “ESCAPE”, IT MAY BE TIME TO SEEK OUT SOME HELP.