BEATING THE WINTER BLUES |
As the days get shorter, many people find themselves feeling sad. You might feel blue around the winter holidays, or get into a slump after the fun and festivities have ended. Some people have more serious mood changes year after year, lasting throughout the winter, when there’s less natural sunlight.
Get a jump on beating those blues with these six proven ways to lift your spirits and feel good all winter long, no matter how short the days get or how low the temperatures drop. |
1. Make your environment brighter.
When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light—also called a light box—for 30 minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication. Opening blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.
When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light—also called a light box—for 30 minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication. Opening blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.
2. Eat smarter.
Certain foods, like chocolate, can help to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety. Other foods, like candy and carbohydrates provide temporary feelings of euphoria, but could ultimately increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
Certain foods, like chocolate, can help to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety. Other foods, like candy and carbohydrates provide temporary feelings of euphoria, but could ultimately increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
3. Exercise.
A 2005 study from Harvard suggests walking fast for about 35 minutes a day, five times a week, or 60 minutes a day, three times a week, improved symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Exercising under bright lights may be even better for seasonal depression: A preliminary study found that exercise under bright light improved general mental health, social functioning, depressive symptoms, and vitality, while exercise in ordinary light improved vitality only.
A 2005 study from Harvard suggests walking fast for about 35 minutes a day, five times a week, or 60 minutes a day, three times a week, improved symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Exercising under bright lights may be even better for seasonal depression: A preliminary study found that exercise under bright light improved general mental health, social functioning, depressive symptoms, and vitality, while exercise in ordinary light improved vitality only.
4. Give your skin some TLC.
There’s no denying that your skin looks better in the summer, with its sun-kissed glow and fresh dewiness—thanks to humidity. There’s also no denying that as temperatures and humidity levels plummet, all that cold, dry air takes a toll on your complexion. That’s why winter is the perfect time to up your skin game. Reevaluate the ingredients in your skincare routine and get the pros involved. Talk to your dermatologist about the best topical ingredients to use, such as retinol and peptides. Talk to your doctor about giving your skin a boost from the inside out with a beauty supplement that contains ingredients like collagen. Who doesn’t feel better when their skin looks good?
There’s no denying that your skin looks better in the summer, with its sun-kissed glow and fresh dewiness—thanks to humidity. There’s also no denying that as temperatures and humidity levels plummet, all that cold, dry air takes a toll on your complexion. That’s why winter is the perfect time to up your skin game. Reevaluate the ingredients in your skincare routine and get the pros involved. Talk to your dermatologist about the best topical ingredients to use, such as retinol and peptides. Talk to your doctor about giving your skin a boost from the inside out with a beauty supplement that contains ingredients like collagen. Who doesn’t feel better when their skin looks good?
5. Plan a vacation.
Longing for sunnier days back at the beach? Research shows that the simple act of planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.
Longing for sunnier days back at the beach? Research shows that the simple act of planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.
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When your mood is falling as fast as the thermometer, these small lifestyle changes may help boost your spirits.
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6. Get outside.
Talking yourself into taking a walk when the temperatures plummet isn’t easy, but the benefits are big: Spending time outside (even when it’s chilly!) can improve focus, reduce symptoms of seasonal affect disorder (SAD), and lower stress levels.
Talking yourself into taking a walk when the temperatures plummet isn’t easy, but the benefits are big: Spending time outside (even when it’s chilly!) can improve focus, reduce symptoms of seasonal affect disorder (SAD), and lower stress levels.